Selling Travel October 2018

SELLING TRAVEL • OCTOBER 2018

OCTOBER 2018 • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

TWO-TIME WINNER, TRADE PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR

Korea • South Africa • California • Christmas Markets • Vietnam • Rwanda • Cologne • Cruising Scandinavia • New Zealand • Ecuador

IT'S A WRAP

Selling Europe's Christmas markets should bring plenty of seasonal cheer for agents

how to sell...

Korea Rwanda Vietnam California South Africa New Zealand and much more...

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PRESENTS

YOUR WINDOW INTO ALL THINGS CALIFORNIA

Keep up to date with all the news from the Golden State such as the recent reopening of the stunning Highway 1 route through Big Sur

Visit California STAR Training Programme & Sales Companion H Discover California through a series of inspiring, thematic modules H Enjoy all-new chapters on Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Anaheim and High Sierra H Download and share any images, videos or other content to help inspire your clients H NEW shopping module coming soon + standalone chapter on Wine Country’s Napa Valley

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contents

3

this issue

WE TRAVEL FURTHER TO BRING YOU MORE FEATURES 08 Korea: Much more than a stopover destination

32 South Africa: Reaching

69

its tourism potential

67

37 California: Hidden

30 42

gems of the Golden state 43 Christmas markets: Festive cheer in Europe 69 Scandinavia: Cruising off the beaten rack 74 New Zealand: New regions to discover

37

08

55 66 73

52

68

32

80 74

QUICK READS 30 Exploring: Cologne 42 48 hours in: Baltimore 50 Visit USA: Member news 52 My journey: Vietnam 55 How to sell: Martin County, Florida

66 Destination profile: Mergui Archipelago

67 Six of the best: 68 73 78 80

adrenaline adventures in Alberta Exploring: Rwanda How to sell: Ecuador Travel Uni: Online training update My journey: Australia

SOUTH AFRICA

KOREA

32

08 CALIFORNIA

37

TALKING SHOP 13 News, competitions, incentives, fams, Barbara Charlton

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

43

THE REVIEW 57 News and reviews COMPETITION 25 Win: Flights to Cologne with British Airways

SCANDINAVIA

NEW ZEALAND

69

74

Please note that Selling Travel, owned and published by BMI Publishing Ltd., is not connected in any way to Selling Travel e-magazine published by SMP Training Co. and based in British Columbia, Canada. The latter online publication focuses exclusively on sales skills and all aspects of professional selling within the travel and tourism sectors.

To benefit from this travel industry sales training resource visit sellingtravel.net

sellingtravel.co.uk

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Travel Trade Publication of the Year

FINALIST

TRADE PUBLICATION

OF THE YEAR – PRINT Travel Trade Publication of the Year

FINALIST

TRADE PUBLICATION OF

THETrade YEAR – PRINT & ONLINE Travel Publication of the Year

Proudly published by BMI Publishing Ltd 2018 © 2018.

Suffolk House, George St, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1SR, UK T 020 8649 7233 | F 020 8649 7234 enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk bmipublishing.co.uk sellingtravel.co.uk Publishers: Steve Thompson & Sally Parker Editorial Director: Steve Hartridge Deputy Editor: Laura Gelder Staff Journalists: Ben Coren & Jessica Pook Contributing Journalist: Jo Austin Group Editor: Andy Hoskins Contributing Editor: Julie Baxter Advertisement Manager: Lisa Merrigan Creative Director: Matt Bonner Lead Designers: Louisa Horton & Monica Notarnicola Designers: Ross Clifford & Zoë Tarrant Production Manager: Clare Hunter Managing Director: Martin Steady We are members of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Visit USA Association, LATA, PATA, MENATA, SATOA, the Foreign Airlines Association and the Institute of Travel & Tourism.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. ISSN: 2056-9319.

Cover image of Strasbourg: istockphoto.com

welcome L

ast month I had the pleasure of visiting the southern U.S. state of Arkansas.

During a whirlwind few days I travelled from the state capital, Little Rock, to the northwest corner – close to the border with Oklahoma – to the Ozark Mountains to the River Delta region, which hugs the great Mississippi River and the border with Tennessee.

I admit, I embarked on my trip with what can only be called limited knowledge. Yes, I knew that Little Rock was the birthplace of Bill Clinton, and that before he ascended to the White House he was the Governor of Arkansas.

I also knew that Little Rock High School was famous for being the site of a major incident (in 1957), when schools and other public facilities across Steve Hartridge the South were racially segregated and nine African American students EDITOR were finally allowed to attend, but famously abused for doing so. The school, now a U.S. National Historic Site, is a key stop on the new US Civil Rights Trail.

This was more or less the extent of my knowledge. And somewhere, in the recesses of my mind, I recalled that one of the cars in that old TV show, Whacky Races, was named the Arkansas Chuggabug!

However, what I found, from east to west, was a state keen to offer the warmest of welcomes to international visitors and a line-up of attractions and experiences that deserves to warrant a place on any itinerary touring the American South.

You can read all about Arkansas in a dedicated supplement that will be distributed with a future issue of Selling Travel.

In other matters, will we be seeing you at one of our Selling Travel Agents Choice Awards evenings this month, in London, Leeds, Glasgow or Birmingham?

There’s still time to join us and meet many of this year’s awards finalists and receive all their latest product news.

For more information, see sellingtravel.co.uk Enjoy this issue!

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE! sellingtravel.co.uk/subscribe

This publication is printed on Revive 100 Media and Revive recycled coated, recycled paper grades that are FSC® Recycled certified and Carbon Balanced.

Industry comments...

"Encouraging our visitors out of the country’s gateways and into our regions to see more hidden gems is a focus of ours this year – like to the Bay of Islands with its ancient Kauri forests, whitesand beaches and unique accommodation."

"The UK is our number one source of international arrivals, while Ireland presents a fantastic opportunity for growth. We work closely with the travel trade and will be launching some exciting new campaigns this autumn."

Pip Casey, Regional Manager UK & Europe

Tolene van der Merwe, South African Tourism’s Hub Head for

Tourism New Zealand. See feature, page 74

the UK & Ireland. See feature, page 32

CBPBMI0918 CBPBMI0918

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SE󰉊󰈎󰉈U󰉌L󰈘...

We n󰇪󰈥󰈧 󰈠o󰇻 t󰈣 󰇽o󰇺󰇪 in 󰇹󰇭󰇪 S󰈥l󰇰i󰈡g T󰇶󰇧󰇾󰈥l Age󰇳󰇺s C󰇬o󰇮󰈝󰈥 Awa󰇶󰈨s ON󰉁󰈵 Y󰉇󰈲 ca󰇳 󰈨󰇪c󰇯󰈧e an󰈧 󰇺󰇮m󰈥's ti󰈛󰈬󰇮n󰇫...

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the big picture

7

Kazbegi Georgia

Smooth as silk Joanna Lumley’s latest TV odyssey, Silk Road Adventure, is as charming as ever. So much so that Cox & Kings has added three new tours, anticipating a boost in interest as Brits watch Lumley follow the ancient trading route from Venice to China. Georgia certainly seems worthy of more attention: an 800-year history of wine, ancient capital and soaring mountains with medieval watchtowers and remote villages hiding royal treasures. georgia.travel

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8

korea

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

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korea

9

word the

is out

It may be one of Asia’s more unconventional stopover choices, but attraction-packed Korea is looking to take its place as a must-do mainstream destination, says Chloe Govan

I

t is with a rush of excitement that I am navigating Seoul’s labyrinthine maze of neon-lit streets.

The sounds of kitsch Korean pop is blasting out from the sidewalks, while the rich scent of savoury dumplings wafts out of cafes and forms a fragrant fog in the air.

Then there’s the breathtaking stench of boiled silkworm larvae, a local delicacy that tastes decidedly better than it smells.

The past and the present converge as elderly, earnest salesmen touting Buddhist robes and statues walk side by side with modern-day cos-players in eccentric get-up. Young women parade the streets clad in Victorian ruffles and frills, imitating royalty from a bygone era.

A bedazzled bride struts by, her veil trailing wildly behind her. Hours earlier, she had taken part in a bizarre version of a traditional wedding ceremony where part of the pageantry involved the groom carrying a duck in his arms down the aisle.

From a city that has a museum dedicated to Chicken Art, I wouldn’t expect anything less.

All of these experiences – and many more - are bookable with tour operators such as Bamboo Travel and Koon.

The rewarding choice Korea has long played second fiddle in the Asian tourism stakes, although to those in the know it is fast becoming an attractive alternative – or perhaps twin destination – to Japan.

Evident in the comical yet cruel caricatures of a chubby-cheeked Kim Jong Un strolling hand in hand with U.S. president Donald Trump, as well as the sounds of Psy’s pop track ‘Gangnam Style’ blaring out of every nightclub’s loudspeakers, is the country very own, unique style.

It can also point to an impressive 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – from the Changdeokgung Palace Complex in northern Seoul at the foot of Ungbong Peak of Mount Baegaksan, to Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.

Seoul, its bustling capital, is less well known than Tokyo or Hong Kong, yet visitors who spend enough time there are invariably enthralled by a fast-paced city that is culturally rich and dynamic and has some of the best restaurants in Asia.

Savvy agents should be promoting it not just as a twin-break option but as a worthy

stopover in its own right.

And the word seems to be getting out about Korea as it attracted over 13 million international visitors in 2017. That number looks set to increase this year and next on the back of the attention it attracted for hosting this year’s Winter Olympics.

Michael Michael of the Korea Tourism Organisation in London said: “The winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in February of this year was a huge boost to us…it raised awareness of Korea as a leisure destination. Coupled with the positive outcome of the Trump/Kim peace talks, interest in Korea has increased massively.”

For intrepid travellers en route elsewhere, Korea is a viable stopover choice. “Korea is almost exactly halfway to Australia, so travelling via Seoul is a great way to break the long journey, for a few hours transfer, overnight, or even a dual destination trip, recommends Peter Barron, Korean Air’s UK Sales Manager.

Meanwhile Kuoni Product Manager Paul Ingram suggests matching Korea with Japan or China, commenting: “You can combine our Highlights of South Korea itinerary with our Essential China or

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18 10:23

korea

Essential Japan itineraries or even do both to create an epic 26-night ultimate East Asia itinerary. Alternatively, suggest ‘untouched’ South Korea on a standalone visit… while less expensive than neighbouring Japan, it is equally rewarding and culturally diverse.”

Korea even has its own Cherry Blossom spectacular each spring and an explosion of fall colours. The blaze of crimson, red and yellow leaves may remind of New England but the classic pagodas and distinctive Eastern architecture will leave your clients in no doubt that they are unmistakably in Asia.

As Luke Stapylton-Smith, Asia Specialist at Bamboo Travel, notes: Korea is “definitely becoming Asia’s buzz destination”.

Independent travel in Korea is easy, with sophisticated and on-time rail and subway networks, intercity buses, flights and ferries to Jeju island and even Japan.

Top experiences Seoul searching: This is a city of extremes: traditional, edgy and quirky. Besides all-night partying, there are pet cafes with live cats, dogs and even sheep, and bizarre attractions such as the Plastic Surgery Museum. Gwanghwamun – Korea’s answer to Paris – is an example of Seoul’s ‘retro sophistication’.

Clockwise from top left: a snowy Jeonju Hanok Village; Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation; the DMZ Museum; Gangnam-style statue

Gangnam-style: Visitors can discover the Seoul district that inspired the name of Psy’s hit song – one of the most downloaded videos of all time. The wealthiest neighbourhood in town, it’s a place to act like an “oppa” and enjoy upscale food, restaurants and stores. Opulence fetishists will appreciate the upscale Pierre Gagnaire, a Seoul restaurant at the Lotte Hotel, which has crystal chandeliers costing over $50,000 each.

Overnight in a Buddhist temple: Immerse yourself in 1,700 years of Eastern history and learn all about the harsh regime of a Buddhist monk by bedding down in an authentic monastery.

Visit The DMZ: Explore labyrinthine underground tunnels and secret passageways created by the North to try to cross the borderline illicitly. One million soldiers guard the border day and night.

View the Freedom Bridge, once crossed by thousands of prisoners of war on their road to liberation.

Museum without walls: In Gyeongju lies over 1300sq km of ancient history, from Buddhist temples to tombs.

Plus, visit the World Heritage Site of Seokguram Grotto, where a 3.5m tall Buddha figurine sits inside a cave.

Visit Busan: Explore the coastal city of Busan and its clifftop temples, before luxuriating at its famous hot springs of Hurschimchung.

11

Tourism talk ”We have seen an increase in enquiries from new operators hoping to add Korea to their programmes. Those such as Cox and Kings, Explore and Kuonii offer the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Seoul, (including the DMZ), the UNESCO World Heritage areas around Gyeongju and Korea’s second city Busan, with some also offering twin-centres with Japan.

“Korea is also included on many Far East cruise itineraries.

“We have a new and updated website at GoKorea.co.uk. and next year hope to run a mega-fam for agents nominated by tour operators selling Korea.”

Michael Michael, Korea Tourism Organisation, London

Where to book it BAMBOO TRAVEL – 0207 720 9285 The 15-day Deeper into the Land of Morning Calm tour offers an in-depth and up-close-and-personal journey. It includes temple stays and home stays in traditional hanok housing. Prices start at £5,425pp, with departures from March to November. bambootravel. co.uk 

sellingtravel.co.uk

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WINNER

Best Corporate Social Responsibility Programme

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WINNER

Business Airline of the Year

9/26/18 12:21 PM 06/09/2018 12:39 06/09/2018 11:57

Talking Shop INSPIRED BY YOU T h e i n s i d e t ra c k o n t ra v e l

Get in a sunshine state of mind AGENTS have the chance to win one of ten places on a VIP fam to Florida with Gold Medal and Visit Florida. All you need to do is make a booking to Florida with Gold Medal including a minimum three nights' ground arrangements and flights before November 30. goldmedal.co.uk

Titan's sparkly new trade site TITAN Travel has launched a website which allows agents to make bookings online and download booking documents. To celebrate, agents can win a Chico the Cheetah toy and a £20 lifestyle voucher for each booking made between October 1 and December 31. titanagents.co.uk

Contents 22

Age󰇳󰇺s di󰇷󰈝󰈢v󰈥󰇶 󰇺he 󰈆 Per󰇻. di󰇷󰇺󰇮n󰈛󰇺󰇯ve 󰇷󰇺y󰇰󰇪 󰈣 o󰇳 Re󰇧d 󰈜󰇨o󰇻󰇺 󰇯t pa󰇫󰇪 21

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

Ski saver

We n󰇪󰈥󰈧 󰈠o󰇻! Cas󰇹 󰈠󰈢󰇼r 󰇽o󰇺󰇪 an󰈧 󰈠󰈢󰇼 co󰇻󰇰󰈨 w󰇯󰇳 o󰈡󰇪 󰈣f LO󰈸󰈊󰉌 of 󰇫󰈦󰇪󰈜t 󰇴󰈦iz󰇪󰇷 Vote online at sellingtravel.co.uk/awards

JET2.COM has launched its biggest ever ski programme. To kick it off, Jet2 is offering half price ski carriage on ski flight bookings made before October 31, travelling between November 1 and April 30, 2019. jet2.com/ski

AGENTS TALK

24

27

IN THE OFFICE

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14

The 2018 Selling Travel Agents Choice Awards finalists Airlines & Airports

AIRLINE TO THE FAR EAST: ANA, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways AIRLINE TO NORTH AMERICA: Air Canada, Air Transat, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic

AIRLINE TO LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN: Air Europa Lineas Aereas, Avianca, British Airways, LATAM Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

AIRLINE TO AFRICA: Emirates, Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Tunisair AIRLINE TO AUSTRALASIA & THE PACIFIC: Air New Zealand, Emirates, Korean Air , Philippine Airlines, Qantas OVERSEAS REGIONAL AIRLINE: Bangkok Airways, Fiji Airways, interCaribbean Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Australia

AIRLINE TO THE MIDDLE EAST: Emirates, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways

OVERSEAS AIRPORT: Amsterdam Schiphol, DFW Airport, Dubai International Airport, HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport, Singapore Changi

AIRLINE TO INDIA & THE INDIAN OCEAN: Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Jet Airways

UK AIRPORT: East Midlands, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, London City Airport, London Gatwick, Manchester Airport

AIRLINE TO EUROPE & NORTH AFRICA: Brussels Airlines, Cobalt, easyJet, Jet2, Norwegian Air Shuttle

Destinations

CITY BREAK: Abu Dhabi, Berlin, Innsbruck, New York, Tel Aviv DESTINATION FOR BEACH: Cook Islands, Greece, Jersey, Mauritius, Philippines DESTINATION FOR WILDLIFE & NATURE: Botswana, Costa Rica, Falkland Islands, South Africa, Peru DESTINATION FOR SOFT ADVENTURE: Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand DESTINATION FOR SPA & WELLNESS: Bali, Dubai, Malta, Saint Lucia, Thailand

DESTINATION FOR WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS: Barbados, Cyprus, Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand

Tour Operators

TOUR OPERATOR TO AFRICA: African Pride, Cosmos, Gambia Experience, Kuoni, Somak Holidays TOUR OPERATOR TO AUSTRALASIA & THE FAR EAST: APT, Collette, Jetset Holidays, Premier Holidays, Travel 2 TOUR OPERATOR TO EUROPE & NORTH AFRICA: Balkan Holidays, Inghams, Jet2 Holidays, Prestige Holidays, Titan Travel TOUR OPERATOR TO INDIA & THE INDIAN OCEAN: If Only, Kuoni, Osborne & Ebel, Premier Holidays, Travelpack TOUR OPERATOR TO LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN: Caribtours, Cox & Kings, G Adventures, Journey Latin America, Latin Routes

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15

TOUR OPERATOR TO THE MIDDLE EAST: Emirates Tours, Gold Medal, If Only, Sunspot Tours, Travel 2 TOUR OPERATOR TO NORTH AMERICA: Cosmos, Funway Holidays, North America Travel Service, Premier Holidays, USAirtours FOR SHORT HAUL ESCORTED TOURS: G Adventures, Newmarket Holidays, Riviera Travel, Saga Holidays, Titan Travel FOR LONG HAUL ESCORTED TOURS: Riviera Travel, Scenic Cruises & Tours, Titan Travel, Trek America, Wendy Wu Tours FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS: Contiki, G Adventures, Just You, Leger Holidays, Tucan Travel

Cruising

OCEAN CRUISING: Cruise & Maritime, Crystal Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Silversea RIVER CRUISING: AMA Waterways, CroisiEurope, Riviera Travel, Newmarket Holidays, Viking Cruises

Hotels

HOTEL/GROUP IN AFRICA: One & Only, Protea Hotels, Sun International, Taj, Thanda Private Game Reserve

HOTEL/GROUP IN THE AUSTRALASIA & FAR EAST: Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Meritus Hotels & Resorts, Shangri La Hotel & Resorts HOTEL/GROUP IN EUROPE & NORTH AFRICA: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Maritim Hotels, nh Hotel Group HOTEL/GROUP IN NORTH AMERICA: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Loews Hotels, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Marriott International HOTEL/GROUP IN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN: AM Resorts, Barcelรณ Hotel Group, Belmond, Elegant Hotels, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts HOTEL/GROUP IN INDIA & THE INDIAN OCEAN: Attitude Hotels, Beachcomber, Hilton Hotels, JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel, Lux Hotels HOTEL/GROUP IN THE MIDDLE EAST: Atlantis, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, JA Jebel Ali Beach Resort, The Address, W Hotels HOTEL/GROUP ALL-INCLUSIVE: bodyholiday Saint Lucia, Club Med, Hard Rock Hotels, Heritage Resorts Mauritius, Sandals

CAR HIRE: Avis Budget Group, Affordable Car Hire, Alamo, Flexible Autos, Your Car Hire UK HOLIDAYS: Bourne Leisure, Hoseasons, Leger Holidays, Shearings, Super Break THEME PARKS: LEGOLAND, Dubai Parks & Resorts, IMG Worlds Of Adventure, Disney Parks, Universal Parks and Resorts TRAVEL UNI TRAINING PROGRAMME: Las Vegas, Macao, Newmarket Holidays, St Kitts, Thailand FAVOURITE ROADSHOW: Caribbean Tourism Organization, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Visit Orlando, Visit USA, Wendy Wu

Best of the Rest

BED BANK: Bedsonline, Bookabed, Getabed, Medhotels, roomsXML TICKET PROVIDER: Attraction World, DoSomethingDifferent. com, Holiday Extras, Superbreak Mini Holidays RAIL: Belmond, Blue Train, Eurostar, Great Rail Journeys, Rocky Mountaineer

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BIG PRIZES FOR VOTING: A stay at SANKARA HOTEL & SPA, JAPAN (sankarahotel-spa.com)

Two-night stay at POINT A HOTEL, LONDON (pointahotels.com)

Two-night stay at SOUTH POINT SUITES, LONDON (southpointsuites.com)

QUOTES FROM

AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED

VOTES CAST LAST YEAR

17,432

LEGOLAND FLORIDA TICKETS (legoland.com/florida)

A selection of FOOTBRIDGE HANDBOOKS (footprinttravelguides.com)

WINNERS LAST YEAR...

Thank you for all your support!

We really value the work that our UK trade partners do” Jess Bain, Latin Routes

It's the first time we’ve won this award so it’s extraspecial! For us, supporting agents is all about helping them sell better” Jet 2 Holidays, Alan Cross

VOTING CLOSES MIDNIGHT

OCTOBER 14 sellingtravel.co.uk/awards

This award has come from the source of our business - agents" Tom Bell, Bedsonline

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spotlight on

Talking...

Riviera Travel In conversation with... Paul Mellon, Sales Development Manager for Riviera Travel

Q

What did winning a Selling Travel Agents Choice Award last year mean to Riviera?

A: It was an excellent endorsement of the work that we are doing with the travel industry. We’ve only been working with the trade for six years so this has shown that our best working practices and support of our trade partners is clearly paying off!

Q

What’s trending in escorted touring?

A: Two things! Firstly we’ve seen a surge in demand for our Solo’s programme.

Our new brochure has grown 45% in size with new tours and solo river cruise departures. Secondly, clients are getting more adventurous with their touring so destinations such as Romania. Montenegro, India and Japan are increasing in popularity.

Q

Why should agents vote for you again this year?

A: We now have a dedicated field sales team which is supporting all aspects of agents' requirements.

This has lead to more training and marketing activity and given us the resources to support more of our agent partners with their client evenings and holiday shows. At this time of the year our team is engaged with many agent events and conferences but we're planning to get more agents to visit our wonderful river cruise ships to sample the quality and service we offer and enable them to sell the product more easily.

Q

Any new products agents should know about?

A: We are offering river cruising in Russia for the first time and we also have new escorted tours to Umbria, Sardinia, Montenegro, Spain’s Basque Country, Ireland and Jordan.

Q

How will Jim Forward, your new Commercial Director, shake things up?

A: Jim brings with him a wealth of experience but in particular, and importantly, he brings experience with our specific client demographic. At Riviera, when we bring in new people it is to enrich the working environment and to help us to continue to move the business forward in a positive manner.

Q

Tell us what the future holds for Riviera Travel?

A: With an ever-changing market and client demographic we will continue to evolve our product to meet our customers' needs. This will be a combination of new ships in our river cruising programme, a greater variety of tours and we will also be introducing new add-ons for agents to enrich their clients' holiday experience even further, and add value to their service too! 

“We have a dedicated field sales team which is supporting all aspects of agents' requirements and are planning to get more agents to visit our wonderful river cruise ships”

BOOK IT WITH... RIVIERA The 16-day Vietnam and Cambodia for Solo Travellers tour is from £2,699pp and includes return flights, transfers and four- to five-star B&B accommodation. It visits Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hi Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat).

01283 880 192; rivieratravel.co.uk

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18

FACE TO FACE w i t h B a r b a ra C h a r l t o n

It's brochure launch & training season Over the previous 10 years I have written his column from an aircraft, a garden and a few other places away from a shop or office, but this is the first time I've penned it from the deck of an African safari lodge.

I am in Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape, so it is ‘Goeie More’ to you all (that's good morning in Afrikaans).

I'm enjoying a great tour of one of my favourite countries, but more of that in a future edition of Selling Travel.

For now, by the magic of cyberspace, I'm keeping up to date with the goings-on back at The Sussex Travel Company.

Destinations of the month: Canada, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Malaysia

Wha󰇹's 󰇬o󰇺?

Ser󰇽󰇮󰈝󰈥 an󰈧 󰇧 󰈤m󰇯󰇰e

Justine was very happy with the service she received from Viking Cruises, for a booking to the Far East for new clients who were travelling from Hong Kong to Bangkok.

It was a new cruise line for the clients, but the pre-service has been so great that we know our clients will be ‘wowed’ on their return, which hopefully will lead to some more shorthaul bookings too.

She managed to get that all tied up before she headed off to Eastern Canada on a fam trip with Travelpack. This is a region of the country none of us have explored so we're looking forward to her sharing her knowledge when she returns.

We've all been in and out of the office lately but Justine had only just returned from a family trip which included Bangkok, Khao Lak and Elephant Hills. We've had many clients praise the latter and Justine's personal experience just confirmed all the positive things we'd heard – but it's so important for us to sell product from first hand experience.

Justine's family loved their three-day stay, spending a night at The Elephant Camp and another at the Rainforest Camp. They enjoyed jungle trekking and interaction with these gentle giants. Elephant Hills don't let guests ride these mainly ex-logging ellie’s, but instead offer them a respectful retirement by allowing guests to watch them playing and bathing in mud pools.

Guests can assist the mahouts in feeding the elephants, before the creatures are released to roam freely - just as they should!

 

Bar󰇨󰇧󰈦󰈜@The󰇷󰇻󰈤s󰈥󰈀󰇺ra󰇽󰇪󰇱c󰈣󰇲󰇵an󰈂.co.uk 01403 276684

Destinations of the month for us have been Canada, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, places that between us we have visited on fams a number of times.

Pure coincidence?

I don't think so!

Our passion for a destination is clear and clients' trust in us pays off as they continually recommend us.

It's brochure launch season and we've all been busy. The annual Caribtours brochure launch at Claridges is a highlight but there's a whole host of invitations flooding in. They're all worth attending so we'll fit in as many as we can.

My next column will reveal a slightlyless-travelled beach destination for pre- or postSouth Africa, along with lots of game viewing, glorious scenery, gourmet dining and, of course, wineyielding vineyards as far as the eye can see!

Happy selling!

Bar󰇨󰇧󰈦󰈜 Cha󰇶󰇱t󰈢󰇳

sellingtravel.co.uk

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9/27/18 04:58 PM

Win a free vacation in Bulgaria by telling a joke

1 thegreatswap.co.uk 4

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ON LOCATION

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D i s t i n c t i v e A m e r i c a s ' P e r u f a m , J u n e 1 5 - 23 , 2 0 1 8

Heady heights in Peru Specialist tour operator Distinctive Americas invited eight agents to Peru this summer, on a trip which saw them climb 400 metres up a sheer cliff face on the first day – a bonding experience for sure!

Over the course of a week the group also cruised the world's highest lake, Titicaca; biked around the capital, Lima, and snacked on ceviche; sipped cocktails and spotted lamas from a train; and toured a chocolate musuem in Ollantaytambo.

Distinctive Americas host Daniel Benians said: “Peru is one of our top selling destinations but its geography and infrastructure means planning an itinerary can be challenging, with logistical considerations like acclimatising to altitude and trekking permits. Having reassurance from an agent who’s been there is invaluable, and the agents got to experience the unexpected elements of Peru: the incredible food, the genuine friendliness of the people and the otherworldly atmosphere of its spectacular landscapes."

In the Sacred Valley agents tackled a via ferrata climb and zipline before enjoying a Champagne lunch at Skylodge – an eight-bed boutique hotel hanging precariously from the rock face.

Joanna Hay, from Spear Travels in Leyburn, said: “It was the scariest experience of my life but well worth it and I'll definitely recommend it to adventurous clients. The views of the

Sacred Valley were spectacular."

The group entered Machu Picchu in the mid-afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Dallal Benromdhane of Travelwise in Muswell Hill commented: "I didn’t think that such a popular tourist site could be so peaceful and powerfully affecting. I'll tell all my clients to do it the same way so they can have the same amazing experience”.

Karen Cooper from Sovereign Travel in Wimbledon said the Titicaca train was the most spectacular rail journey of her life, while Camilla Somerton of Nomadic Travel, Exeter picked seeing condors fly through the Colca Canyon as her abiding magical moment.

Paul Dayson of Spa Travel, Boston Spa, summed it up: “We packed so much in!

It was the trip of a lifetime and an insight into an amazing country with so much to offer – adventure, culinary delights, stunning scenery and history. I can’t wait to share it with my clients.”

PERU

Main picture: The whole group at Machu Picchu.

Other pictures, from top: larking around at Machu Picchu; rock climbing in the Sacred Valley; cycle tour of Lima; shopping in Cusco; locals in Titicaca

sellingtravel.co.uk

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9/28/18 11:07 AM

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BEEN THERE, DONE THAT Tra i n i n g , e v e n t s a n d f a m t r i p s

Out and about with Shearings, Premier Agents explore Mauritius PREMIER Holidays hosted a group of agents for a seven-night trip to Mauritius last month, in conjunction with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. The photo shows the group of nine on an excursion to the Example Waterfall at Heritage Le Telfair Nature Reserve, where they also enjoyed a spot of off-road quad biking.

The agents visited a rum distillery, the Black River Gorges National Park, and the famous Seven Coloured Earths as well as fitting in some site inspections, of course! premierholidays.co.uk

TIPTO VIP lunch

TIPTO Ambassadors Stef Trevett, Bailey's Travel; Sara Allen, The Dartmouth Travel Company; and Beryl Towne, Althams Travel, enjoy TIPTO's VIP lunch event at The Ivy, London. tipto.co.uk

Update from the Maldives

SARAH Rowbotham from Newmarket Holidays gives Xanthe Tolley and Sarah Hart from Thomas Cook Newport a tasty hamper to say thanks for their £42K Oberammergau booking.

REPS for Visit Maldives provided Club Med staff with current information on the Maldives and an update on new tourism developments planned, including the opening of at least 23 new resorts this year. Pictured from left: Célia Compere, Rebecca Seaward, Justine Trinquet, Claire Brunel, Laurence Decarie, Lauren Kelso and Marine Marcelli, all from Club Med.

newmarketholidays.co.uk

visitmaldives.com

Big booking!

0208 585 4020

holidays@travelpack.com £1699pp

£2069pp

fr

fr

7nts, Kempinski Seychelles Resort

7nts, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

£2099pp

fr

7nts, Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa

Prices are based on twin share, includes flights, accommodation & transfers

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9/28/18 11:07 AM

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

23

Tra i n i n g , e v e n t s a n d f a m t r i p s

Holidays, Visit Savannah and Super Break Savannah sales mission

VISIT SAVANNAH hosted a UK sales mission where they met with key tour operators, airlines and travel agent partners from all over the UK. The Georgia, USA, city held a speakeasy-style cocktail reception for the travel trade to mark the recent opening of the American Prohibition Museum in the city. It features moonshine stills and much more. visitsavannah.com

Abu Dhabi fam

ETIHAD Airways, along with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, hosted 38 agents on a fournight mega-fam to Abu Dhabi. Agents from Flight Centre, Hayes & Jarvis, Kenwood, Travel2, If Only, and Sunway joined the trip, amongst others. Pictured are a few of the agents from London at Hala Oasis with Jane Dawkins (second from left), UK & Ireland Senior Trade Executive, DCT Abu Dhabi.

Top agent

NASSA Travel in Newport was awarded ‘Agent of the Month’ in August by Bryony White from Super Break, after achieving excellent sales growth and also for the agency's active promotion of the operator’s products on their Facebook page.

Pictured receiving their award and some treats are Emily Ryan, Assistant Manager, and Chloe Phelps, Travel Advisor.

Euro-trip

superbreak.com

£1239pp

7nts, Kruger Park Safari & Kwazulu Natal, Africa (2-12 persons)

£699pp

fr

7nts, Tour of Golden Triangle with Extensions, India (6-9 persons)

Have you enjoyed an interesting trade event or been on a trip or fam that you would like to see featured on this page? Email editorial@bmipublishing.co.uk

0208 585 4020

Small Group Set Departures fr

etihad.com

SHEARINGS Holidays has been out visiting agents to promote its new 2019 European brochure. Pictured from left is Claire Dutton, National Key Account Manager at Shearings Holidays and Katerina McGouldrick,Travel Advisor at Book In Style, Leyland. shearings.com

holidays@travelpack.com

£969pp

fr

10nts, Best of Sri Lanka - Cultural Heritage & Beach Stay (6 persons)

Includes accommodation, transfers & sightseeings. Departure dates available on www.agents.travelpack.co.uk in Special Offers

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9/28/18 11:08 AM

AGENTS TALK

24

S e l l i n g Tra v e l l i s t e n s

This month #agentstalk about...

Get 󰇷󰈢󰈝󰇯al 󰇿󰇮󰇺h 󰇼󰇷:

SellingTravel

SellingTravelmag

Age󰇳󰇺s ov󰇪󰇶󰇭󰈥ar󰈧

TRAVEL AGENT RANTS & RAVES Thi󰇷 󰈩󰈢n󰇹󰇭 s󰈜󰇿 R󰈠an󰇧󰇯󰇶 ca󰇳󰈝󰇪l 250 f󰇰i󰈪h󰇹󰈤 󰇧h󰈥a󰈧 of 󰇧󰇳󰈣󰇺he󰇶 󰈤t󰇶󰇮󰈬󰈥. We 󰇧s󰈫, wo󰇻󰇰󰈨 y󰈣u 󰇨󰈢󰈣󰈬 wi󰇹󰇭 t󰇬󰇪󰈩?

"Client said: I want to go at the end of October but will not be booking until two days before. Can you give me prices?"

"TRAVEL AGENTS NIGHTMARE! Last-minute cancellations and fight for entitlements. Delay and underhand tactics at every turn.

Only book them if it's the only option."

"Living so close to Stansted I have to book them all the time.

I also fly with them if they’re the cheapest! LOOK, YOU GET

WHAT YOU PAY FOR." "My clients needed to fly to Zadar.

Ryanair was the only choice.

NEVER AGAIN. I'll tell them to

WE POSTED... YOU SAID

Lithuanian capital Vilnius' marketing campaign got people talking: "The G-spot of Europe... Nobody knows where it is, but when you find it – it's amazing" Poor agents... "Interesting!

However, how many complaints will we poor travel agents get if people STILL cannot find it?"

drive from Split next time!"

No publicity is bad publicity "I like it. It's crude

"Used to believe they were worth

and rude and anything that gets more people visiting the lovely Lithuania can only be a good thing. I had a great time in Kaunas."

booking but now will avoid. BUT

WHAT OPTIONS DO WE HAVE FROM STN?"

The next gap in the market? "None of my male friends are keen to go but they have asked if we have anything to the a***h*** of Europe."

Does sex sell? "Very distasteful but sadly it's probably genius as well. Sexual references will grab the attention of most people."

ith

w orway a in N ieode ales s e @cath d a amstr @ingh

INSTAFAM and

Thail ston in nybpre ys @betha eholida is o u turq with @

@sellingtravmag

@sparkind y in Mykon os with @carrierl uxuryholid ays

Going on a fam trip? Tag @sellingtravel in your #instafam and you could be here next month!

“Ive just

had a customer complain their trip to Disneyland Paris was too French” "Don’t you just love clients sitting in front of you, checking holiday prices online after you’ve confirmed their 2 jet2 holiday bookings? Time for a big glass of wine..."

"Funniest request today: Can we change our cabin number as we have checked Google and apparently that one is haunted!"

sellingtravel.co.uk

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9/28/18 03:40 PM

COMPETITION ADVERTORIAL

win FLIGHTS TO COLOGNE WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS

Germany's culture hub C

ologne (Köln), Germany’s fourth largest city, offers a plethora of attractions led by its famous cathedral with its filigree twin spires dominating the skyline.

British Airways has announced it will be adding a new four-per-week service from Gatwick airport to this winter break hotspot, located on both sides of the Rhine, from November 16, 2018. If you and a companion would like to visit this cosmopolitan city, simply enter the competition to win a pair of tickets from Gatwick to Cologne with British Airways.

ANSWER TO WIN From which London airport does British Airways fly to Cologne?

BRITISH AIRWAYS LAUNCHES FLIGHTS TO COLOGNE The highlight of the Cologne calendar is the six-day street carnival known as “Crazy Days”. Normal life is suspended in Cologne

BA Competition.indd 25

sellingtravel.co.uk/competitions

as over one million revellers take to the streets for the largest carnival in Europe which sees the city celebrate in a colourful spectacle of eclectic costumes, dancing, sequins, parades and parties.

During the winter season customers will be able to fly direct for the first time with British Airways, with flights available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; offering holidaymakers the perfect excuse to visit one of the seven Christmas markets.

Adam Carson, British Airways’ Managing Director of Gatwick, said: “Cologne adds another exciting destination to our Gatwick network and is perfect for a winter break.

Cologne is becoming increasingly popular due to being a cultural hub and is a living textbook on art, history and architecture.”

Enter before November 16, 2018 to be in with a chance of winning.

9/27/18 05:50 PM

THANKS FOR NOMINATING

S Y A D I L JET2HO

R O T A R E P O R U O FOR BEST T A C I R F A H T R O N & E P O R U E TO S U R O F E T O V E S A PLE

TO WIN

*Terms and conditions apply. Please see your local travel agent for full details.

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17:09 27/09/2018 16:52

9/27/18 05:59 PM

SAYING "I DO"

I N T H E O F FIIN C ET H E O F F I C E

with���

St Kitts

w i t h a L u x u r y Tra v e l G u r u

No place like home

MEET...

NATALIE JOHN CEO Dreamy Weddings

1

WHY MARRY IN ST. KITTS?

2

DO COUPLES COME FROM THE UK?

3

BEST PLACE TO SAY "I DO"?

4

WHAT'S TRENDING FOR 2018/19?

5

WHY VISIT ST. KITTS AND NEVIS?

Not only does St. Kitts provide a beautiful setting for a wedding ceremony (and guaranteed sunshine), but the legal system makes it very easy for people from overseas to marry. There are no residency requirements and the application process is easy.

The 󰇷󰇺r󰇻󰇫󰈪l󰈥󰇷

"It can be hard sometimes as so many of us are not salaried and rely on commission once a booking is made.

"We are currently seeing multi-level marketing organisations from the U.S. coming into our industry and taking on people with no experience, which is concerning.

"Over the years we have worked hard to ensure we comply with all the strict guidelines imposed by our governing bodies, only to see MLM reps failing to conform.

"The internet has also proved a massive challenge over the last decade, especially when the final price quoted doesn't include all the elements of the holiday. Plus, some of the travel companies that relied on agents prior to the internet have gone direct sell, like British Airways Holidays and Virgin Holidays. In some cases they are selling holidays for less than our net rate."

In my experience that personal touch is paramount

Lo󰈢k󰇯󰇳󰈪 fo󰇶󰈟󰇧r󰈧

"Over the years agents, and especially homeworkers, have been let down by tour operators who undercut their prices to an unattainable level for agents to compete with. Let's go back to the days where we see price parity across the board, so we all get a fair chance in this industry."

In the last year we've had a 45% increase in weddings from overseas, many from the UK. The fact that you can experience two islands makes St. Kitts and Nevis appealing as a wedding or honeymoon destination.

In my opinion, you can't get more romantic than Brimstone Hill Fortress on St. Kitts, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or in front of a 100-year-old tree at Romney Manor. It's a hard choice!

We find a lot of couples want to incorporate a local experience, which is why our Mocko Jumbie dancers are so popular, they bring the colour and the party vibe.

You can combine adventure and relaxation all in one holiday. St. Kitts is such a romantic place, which makes my job easy! In 19 years I've never had a jilted client...Well, I nearly had but that was just nerves! stkittstourism.kn/caribbean-weddings

MAR K MA RTU CCI

Jessica Pook speaks to Jenny Jackson, founder of Luxury Travel Gurus, about the challenges and rewards of being a homeworker in an ever-changing travel industry.

"I have been a homeworker for over 20 years and have built up a client list that relies on me to find them the perfect holiday at the best price.

"As a homeworker you get to know your clients' likes and dislikes. I often give them a call rather than an email because I feel that the personal touch is paramount.

"I am also a massive advocate of online training and attending events – I gain so much information from them.

"My market is luxury and I do feel luxury clients tend to be more loyal than 'bucket and spade' clients. That said, I have a recommendation for every taste and I have personally visited every hotel and destination on my website.

"I think travellers are starting to come back to travel agents because we do have a wealth of knowledge that the internet just cannot match.

"I will always go above and beyond to ensure my clients' holidays are absolutely perfect. I like to know how the holiday turned out, the highlights along with anything negative."

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9/28/18 05:16 PM

A DV E R T OR IA L

Boracay A better

A

better and more sustainable Boracay is set to welcome back visitors on October 26 and is expected to usher in newer and bigger markets awaiting the island’s full recovery.

Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. reiterated that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is well on track with its 7.4 million target as the island’s closure also became an opportunity to introduce and boost travellers’ awareness of other tourism destinations in the country, which was key to retaining the country’s positive month-on-month performance on tourism arrivals.

“The fact that we have kept ourselves afloat is a very strong reflection of how resilient the industry is, how quick we are to make adjustments with our marketing and promotions and I think, also a very strong communication of how prepared the other destinations are in welcoming the influx of tourists who otherwise would have gone to Boracay.” Undersecretary Bengzon said.

Philippines-v2.indd 46

Going green The DOT executive earlier stated that despite the closure of one of the country’s flagship destinations, brand equity remains strong as this has been continuously built upon for decades and has ensured stability such that demands from the global market also remains significantly high even with sudden setbacks.

A worldwide advertising campaign is set to be launched by the DOT in the following months, to be accompanied by strengthened promotions for various PH destinations, including the much-awaited re-opening of the famous island.

This campaign is projected to entice more travellers to visit more destinations in addition to Boracay, as trainings and workshops for better sustainability practices are now being disseminated to industry players all over the country, guaranteed to provide better services to future clients.

“When you look at it overall, we really have to make sure that when we roll it out, when we relaunch Boracay, it is a better destination, more environment-friendly, more secure and we

9/28/18 02:39 PM

A DV E R T OR IA L

have to make sure that, more important than anything else, we avoid the problems that led to its closure in the first place.”

The DOT’s thrust for sustainability is also accompanied with infrastructure developments aimed at the same goal.

improved prior to the closing. And lastly, we will have to work on intensive marketing promotions to achieve our goals. So in our travel fairs, in our sales missions, Boracay will be showcased as a better destination for our markets.”

Global appeal

On the up

Among these developments are the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and an evident buildup in the accommodation sector expected to expand the destinations’ capacity in welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Undersecretary Bengzon assures travellers of better visitor experiences with the DOT’s projects already laid out for the coming months.

“For our part, we will make sure that the accommodation establishments comply with the DENR/DILG requirements before they qualify for DOT accreditation. Manpower training programs will be extended to the accredited establishments so that the frontline services are much

In 2017, foreign tourist arrivals reached 6,620,908 in total and in the first half 2018, 3.706 million international arrivals was recorded, promising a positive run towards the 7.4 million goal by the end of the year.

With the reopening of Boaracay, the country is looking forward to bringing in new markets as well as sustaining the growth of its key markets – South Korea, China, UK (one of the major markets in Europe) and the United States.

To find out more visit: philippineairlines.com/en/promotions;

Philippines-v2.indd 47

singaporeair.com; itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk; download our free mobile app: VISIT PHILIPPINES (available on app store and google play) �philipppinesinuk

philippines_uk

�philippines_uk

PDOTLondon

9/28/18 02:39 PM

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exploring...

Cologne Served by a new British Airways direct flight from November, Cologne is the perfect suggestion for both a Christmas market break or summer stay, says Laura Gelder Cologne Cathedral – or 'the Dom' – could be straight from the pages of a Grimms' fairytale or the fires of Mordor.

Rising from the street, its blackened stone is almost sinister, it's intricate carving mesmerising – hundreds of columns, arches and turrets soar skywards; pious robed statues and glaring gargoyles gaze down on shoppers unconcerned by the sooted villain's lair looming over them.

The cathedral is the third-tallest church building in the world and even those not religiously inclined will be impressed by the architecture. And taking the 533-step spiral starcase up to the cathedral’s south tower brings its own enlightment.

Cologne was bombed in 262 separate air raids in the Second World War and it's not a pretty city. But its mix of Gothic, small pockets of romantic Rhine architecture and gritty urban landscape is intriguing.

EHRENFELD

Atmospheric Altstadt The Old Town's narrow cobbled streets and brightly-painted, steeply-gabled houses are full of tourists for a reason.

They are very 'chocolate box-ey' appropriate then that a rich smell of chocolate actually does scent the air. This comes from the city's many confectionary shops and the Chocolate Museum, which explores the 300-year history of cocoa and the secrets of Lindt.

The area is also home to Germany’s oldest city hall, as much a Gothic masterpiece as the cathedral, and lots of atmospheric beer halls.

Haxenhaus offers a people-watching perch in summer and cosy wooden benches and beamed ceilings in winter.

Try pork knuckle and bratwurst with some foaming steins and Rhine wines.

BOOK IT WITH... KIRKER HOLIDAYS A three-night Christmas market break is from £858pp, including return British Airways flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast at the five-star Excelsior Hotel Ernst and the services of the Kirker Concierge. BA flies from Gatwick four times a week. kirkerholidays.com; 020 7593 1899

ALTSTADT, OR OLD TOWN

RHEINAUHAFEN

The Belgium Quarter

Museums galore

This part of the city escaped the bombs and its streets are lined with lovely Art Nouveau apartment buildings. The heart of the district is Brüsseler Platz, a lively, leafy square with communal ping pong tables which often transforms into a biergarten.

The area is famous for its quirky boutiques and designer fashion.

If your clients like their culture neatly laid out Cologne has lots of museums. The city became a Roman outpost in 50AD but the Roman-Germanic Museum displays mosaics and jewellery spanning prehistoric, Roman and medieval times.

Fans of contemporary and pop art should head to Museum Ludwig, which has Picassos and Andy Warhols on its walls.

The 4711 Cologne House is the birthplace and flagship store for the world's most famous brand of eau de cologne (meaning 'water from Cologne') which has been made since 1792. There's a shop and museum.

Hipster Ehrenfeld Gritty and graffiti-covered, this is one of the more modern parts of the city, an artsdriven area filled with warehouse clubs, galleries, theatres, dive bars, Turkish kebab shops and coffee houses.

The West Bank of the Rhine The newly-designed Rheinauhafen waterfront complex is the 'youngest' district of Cologne. The waterfront promenade is dominated by a trio of buildings called the Kranhäuser – modern glass and steel buildings shaped like hoisting cranes – along with cafés, restaurants and galleries.

Cologne Carnival One of the biggest in Europe, Carnival starts on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, lasts for a week and is celebrated with street parades and parties in pubs across the city. The monday procession parades three symbolic figures – prince, virgin and peasant – but the partying crowds in their flamboyant costumes are as much an attraction. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

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9/27/18 10:32 AM

C O S M O P O L I TA N

COLOGNE Fly direct from London Gatwick for the first time with British Airways, with services taking off on Mondays, Thursdays. Fridays and Sundays, new service will start from 16 November, 2018.

For more info visit batraveltrade.com

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9/26/18 12:07 PM 21/09/2018 16:05

32

south africa

sunshine good day

On track to hit its global goal of attracting five million more visitors within the next five years, South Africa looks set to finally realise its rich potential and take its rightful place in the tourism sun, says Lauren Jarvis

A

re your clients looking for a cosmopolitan city break with fabulous food and wine?

Or perhaps a breathtaking coastal stay with sun-drenched beaches? Or maybe a trip filled with activities and adventures, rich cultural experiences and a bucket-list safari?

The beauty of South Africa is that it is truly a rare destination in that it offers all of the above and more.

“The UK is our number one source of international arrivals, while Ireland presents a fantastic opportunity for growth,” says Tolene van der Merwe, South African Tourism’s Hub Head for the UK & Ireland.

“We work closely with the travel trade through training workshops, takeover days

and familiarisation trips, and we’ll also be launching some exciting new campaigns this autumn which we’re confident will help drive more visitors to South Africa in 2019.”

New flight routes are also fuelling the charge to the Rainbow Nation, with British Airways offering a thrice-weekly service from London to Durban and an additional four flights per week to Johannesburg from October, plus increased frequency to Cape Town during the summer months “Now is a great time for Brits to head to South Africa,” says Ash Jarvis, Director of specialist tour operator, Best of South Africa Travel.

“Thanks to the very favourable exchange rate, a holiday there represents incredible value for money, with some spectacular

accommodation on offer at great rates and a glass of wine at one of the country’s excellent vineyards costing as little as £2.”

Wild escape South Africa’s abundant wildlife is one of its main tourist draws, with many placing seeing the ‘Big Five on safari’ in the country’s national parks and private reserves as their number one reason for visiting.

Kruger National Park is South Africa’s Maasai Mara or Serengeti – vast, wellestablished and full of game – but like them it can get hectic. So suggest clients spend a few days in a ‘lesser-known’ private reserve like Madikwe Game Reserve in the malaria-free North West Province, for a more intimate experience.

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south africa

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“Our 15-day luxury rail adventure includes nine nights on the Pride of Africa, Addo Elephant Park, Kruger National Park, Kirstenbosch Gardens and much more” Julian Appleyard, Great Rail Journeys

Home to more than 75% of the planet’s remaining rhino population, South Africa is a great spot to see these critically endangered icons.

The country’s oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal, has one of the world’s largest white rhino populations, while Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in Mpumalanga is the world’s largest rhino orphanage.

Sell it: Premier Holidays (trade.premierholidays. co.uk) is offering three nights in Johannesburg, at Protea by Marriott Balalaika and four nights at Hippo Hollow in Hazyview, Mpumalanga.

Return international flights are with South African Airways and the deal includes transfers. It is priced from £1,539pp.

Epic sights South Africa is blessed with some of the continent’s most mesmerising landscapes.

Up there with Rio and Sydney for its spectacular setting, Cape Town’s suburbs sprawl between the mountains, sea and fertile valleys, while the rugged coastline down to the Cape of Good Hope offers wildly beautiful panoramas ending with a lighthouse ‘at the end of the world’.

Five hours north from the ‘Mother City’, the west coast’s Namaqualand Flower Route bursts into a riot of colour every August and September.

Ancient rock art, golden sandstone cliffs and sweeping plains await in the Drakensberg Mountains near Durban. To the northeast the Makhonjwa Mountains

in Mpumalanga Province, known as the Barberton Greenstone Belt, have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, bringing the total number of South African sites up to 10.

Top tip: In 2019, the Blue Train (bluetrain.co.za) will be extending its Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice-versa) experience from a one-night to a two-night journey, allowing more time for an off-train excursion at the Kimberley Diamond Mine, known as the ‘Big Hole’.

Coast to coast Occupying the African continent’s southern tip, South Africa’s coastline stretches over 1,600 miles, from the border Above: Lion’s Head in Cape Town

sellingtravel.co.uk

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9/27/18 12:53 PM

SAA0518_5058

DISCOVER NEW LANDSCAPES

Business Class on the new A330-300 is designed to make you feel at home. Unwind in your own living space, enjoy a-la-carte dining served with award-winning South African wines and the latest movies via enhanced high definition touchscreen. Then settle into your forward-facing flat bed with direct access to the aisle, assured of increased privacy and a restful journey ahead.

The new Airbus A330-300 now operating from London to Johannesburg.

Visit flysaatrade.com or call 020 8576 5555, option 2.

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F19 Selli

south africa

with Namibia on the western Atlantic side up to the northeastern border with Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. Both coasts boast an infinite number of maritime pursuits above and below the waves. The eastern sands that make up Durban’s ‘Golden Mile’ are the warmer choice for a swim or surf, with some excellent resorts around Umhlanga Rocks. Or take a horseback ride along Reunion Beach.

Cape Vidal in KwaZulu-Natal has beautiful reefs to explore while the iSiman-galiso Wetland Park World Heritage Site is home to prolific birdlife.

Go west and the cooler waters of the Atlantic are a playground for myriad marine marvels. Dive, snorkel, kayak or observe African penguins at Simon’s Town, playful From left: Fishing in KwaZulu-Natal; hippo spotting in the Kruger

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Cape fur seals at Hout Bay, magnificent humpbacks at Hermanus and great white sharks in Kleinbaai.

Top tip: Nature lovers travelling the east-coast Garden Route will enjoy the new Morukuru Beach Lodge (morukuru.com) – a boutique eco-hotel in the 36,000 hectare De Hoop Nature Reserve. One of Africa’s most stunning coastal sanctuaries, it offers over 50km of pristine white beaches, with whales, dolphins and seals offshore.

Active adventures South Africa has more than enough to satisfy travellers who like their holidays infused with shots of adrenalin. How about paragliding off Signal Hill in Cape Town, and gliding down to land on the beach below, or taking a helicopter flight around Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range?

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The enduring Sun City Resort, three hours from Johannesburg, offers mountain biking among giraffes and impalas, safaris in and hot air balloon rides above Pilanesberg National Park, thrill rides at The Valley of the Waves water park, and the world’s fastest zipline, Zip2000, which zooms along for over a mile at 100mph.

KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coast offers some of the best conditions to kite surf, while two hours south of Durban the spectacular Oribi Gorge is a great location to abseil – at 540 feet the gorge swing down from Lehr’s waterfall is the highest anywhere. In Durban, ride the world’s only stadium swing, the Big Rush Big Swing, 348 feet above Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Sell it: Hayes & Jarvis (hayesandjarvis.co.uk) has

three nights at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

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in Johannesburg, three nights at Black Rhino Game Lodge in Pilanesberg and four nights at The Cascades Sun City. From £2,769pp, the deal includes international flights and car hire.

Culture kick

Above: A boy celebrates the Cape Festival in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

The Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for a city break, with a cosmopolitan dining scene, the wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Constantia, and stylish hotels like The Silo, set above the excellent new Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MoCAA), and the funky, new Radisson Red, both located at the lively V&A Waterfront.

But don’t ignore Johannesburg and Durban, with entertainment and shopping districts like Sandton in Johannesburg and uShaka Village Walk in Durban.

To celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth in 2018, South African Tourism has compiled 100 experiences to connect travellers to the political icon as part of its ‘100 ways to find the Nelson

exper

Mandela in you’ campaign.

Visitors can trace the timeline of Mandela’s life through visiting places that featured in his life. These include his capture site in KwaZulu-Natal and Liliesleaf Farm in Johannesburg where, as a key member of the ANC, Nelson Mandela lived in secret, posing as a cook and gardener.

See the 100 experiences on South African Tourism’s app, Madiba’s Journey.

To learn more about South Africa’s Apartheid history, visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg; take a boat to Robben Island off Cape Town, where Mandela was incarcerated; or cycle around Soweto township.

For Zulu traditions, cultural village trips and top safaris, suggest KwaZulu-Natal.

Sell it: Best of South Africa Travel (bestofsouthafricatravel.com) has three nights at the Radisson Red, Cape Town, two nights at Tintswalo Atlantic, Hout Bay, and three nights at L’Ermitage Chateau & Vilas, Franschhoek. From £1,825pp, with flights. 

ience

it!

Try our living cultural activities from the pionering era! Available from 2019.

Book at opvoed@vtm.org.za Traditional bread baking, roasting coffee and churning butter www.vtm.org.za Untitled-3 1

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hidden gems

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California

The 󰈌󰈢󰇰󰈨󰈥n S󰇹a󰇺󰇪

It’s the home of Hollywood glitz and glamour but California’s authentic attractions are lining up to surprise your clients, says Jessica Pook. Here’s some that deserve their place on any West Coast itinerary

Fort Bragg’s glass beach

Walk amongst giants

Wine tasting in Sacramento

Venture three hours north of San Francisco to where the pounding waves of the Pacific collide with the coastline of Fort Bragg, leaving in its wake a glittering glass beach. This rainbow shore shouldn’t really be there: it’s the result of discarded glass, once dumped into the ocean but now washed back having been polished by Mother Nature. The beach is best seen glistening in the sunshine from the cliffs above. There’s also a Sea Glass Museum to explore, operated by retired sea captain Cass Forrington.

Visit the largest living things on earth – sequoia trees (or giant redwoods) – in Yosemite National Park, the only place in the world where these majestic trees grow natively. There are three sequoia groves within the park: the larger Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove. Tuolume Grove is a less-visited trail and houses trees that are almost 3,000 years old. The hike consists of a fourkilometre round-trip and offers the chance to walk through the ‘tunnel tree’. Open from June to October, the changing colours in Autumn is a ‘must see’. nps.gov

Although surrounded by over 200 vineyards, Sacramento is often overshadowed by the more popular Napa or Sonoma on California’s wine trail – but being under the radar has its advantages.

Many of these vineyards offer tastings for free or for a minimal fee and visitors get intimate access to the wine-making process and can often speak to the winemakers in person. The Old Sugar Mill offers local wines in 15 tasting rooms, and after your clients can learn all about the district’s Gold Rush history in The Old Town. cityofsacramento.org

fortbragg.com

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“Tuolume Grove is a lessvisited trail and houses trees that are almost 3,000 years old!”

Trendy North Park San Diego has 17 distinct neighborhoods to explore. Venture away from the crowds of the Gaslamp Quarter or Carlsbad to trendy North Park. It’s a hit with millennials who Instagram their day from brunch spots like the Smoking Goat and Coin Op, which offer calorific fare such as duckfat truffle fries and deep-fried Oreos. Then there’s craft beer pubs, farmers markets and boutique shops. An even more lively scene awaits at the Observatory North Park, San Diego’s newest venue – actually a restored Art Deco theatre that hosts live music, theatre and comedy seven days a week. sandiego.org

BOOK IT WITH... VACATIONS TO AMERICA The 10-night Golden West road trip stops at Death Valley, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Yosemite. Priced at £2,385pp, the deal includes flights, car hire, hotel accomodation and a guide. vacationstoamerica.com

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Starry nights Greater Palm Springs is made up of nine cities and its appeal stretches from outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking and horse-riding to the glitz of the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, where celebs gather for a weekend of posh partying.

But there’s star spotting of a different kind just an hour away that really does require a sleepless night. Joshua Tree National Park has been designated as a International Dark Sky Park, which means it possesses ‘exceptional quality starry nights’ and a ‘nocturnal environment that is specifically protected’.

Visitors can camp under some of the darkest nights in Southern California for a glimpse of the Milky Way, or join a ranger-led night sky programme for an expert guided tour of the constellations.

There’s a Night Sky Festival each November which features an astrophotography workshop, plus morning and night astronomy sessions. nps.gov/jotr

Let off some steam Founded in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park and features 80 miles of hiking trails, thousand-year-old redwoods and spectacular waterfalls.

One of the most scenic ways to see the area is aboard an open-air Roaring Camp Railroads steam engine as it clacks its way around an elevated track through the forest. The 19th century train winds to the summit of Bear Mountain while the conductor narrates the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.

Children can also try their hand at gold panning or wander the Old West-style grounds at the part-theme park, partmuseum. roaringcamp.com

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“Visitors can camp under some of the darkest nights in Southern California for a glimpse of the Milky Way”

Spend the night in a wagon

Visit Capitola Village

For those looking for a unique experience in Yosemite National Park, a night spent glamping in an Old West-style Conestoga Wagon is a great way to get back to nature without giving up home comforts. The airconditioned and heated wagons sleep up to six people and start from $139 a night.

Founded over 135 years ago, Capitola Village in Santa Cruiz is the Pacific coast’s oldest seaside resort. Wonder the brightlycoloured bayfront promenade, enjoy a day on the beach, duck into the shops and restaurants or visit Bargetto Winery, the longest continually operating winery in the country. visitsantacruz.org

yosemitepinesrv.com

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BOOK IT WITH... AUDLEY TRAVEL This 17-night trip, from £4,500pp, includes flights, transfers, car hire and some excursions. Clients will visit San Francisco, Sacramento, Yosemite, Santa Cruz, Pismo Beach, Palm Springs and San Diego. audleytravel.com/usa

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Be the fire master Feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Californian teen drama The O.C. by spending an evening sat around a fire pit in Huntington Beach. This laid-back surf town is one of the few places in California where visitors can build their own fire and enjoy that outdoor beach lifestyle well into the evening. There are 500-plus concrete pits and the fire rings are available free on a first-come-first served basis. They’re allowed to blaze on until 21.30, providing a romantic sunset-watching opportunity at a low price! Throw a couple of gooey s’mores and a beer into the mix and you have a classic SoCal date. surfcityusa.com

BOOK IT WITH... THOMAS COOK Priced from £609pp, the Postcards Of California self-drive trip includes eight days’ car hire (pick-up from Los Angeles and dropoff in San Francisco). Highlights include the California Coast, LA, San Francisco and the Wine Country. thomascook.com

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Pier 39 to Oakland

Get thrifty in Cat City

Most famous for its sunbathing sea lions basking on K-Dock, Pier 39 is a must when in San Francisco. But once you’ve exhausted the abundant dining, shopping and street entertainment, take the opportunity to hop on a ferry from Pier 41 to Oakland.

This city used to live in San Fran’s shadow but now probably trumps the Bay City in terms of its diverse food scene, with many of its restaurants topping ‘best of’ lists nationwide. Close by, Lake Merrit provides an urban oasis with boats available for hire. Redwood Regional Park is also just a few miles from busy downtown Oakland, transporting you to a canopy of towering giants. visitoakland.com

Located between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City (or ‘Cat City’) offers pretty parks, boutique shopping and a number of golf courses with spectacular views.

Those with a love for vintage can indulge in the mix of thrift shops and antique boutiques along Highway 111, while for a fun selection of vintage clothing, home decor and quirky keepsakes recommend retro-inspired Wonderama on Date Palm Drive. If the kids get bored, a detour to the Fountain of Life in Town Square, which doubles as a ‘sprayground’, will help.

Each November, Cathedral City plays host to an annual hot air balloon festival.

This event sees the sky fill with colourful dots as hundreds of balloons take flight.

Admire it from below or take in the views of the surrounding desert from your very own basket. There’s also a plethora of street food to sample on and live musical acts performing over the course of the three-day event.

“Huntington Beach is one of the few places in California where visitors can still build their own fire”

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“Those with a love for vintage can indulge in the thrift shops along Highway 111”

Little Corona del Mar

Pinecrest Lake

Explore the rock formations at Little Corona del Mar, a secluded beach in Orange County with tidal pools and a rocky coastline that’s great for crab spotting. The archway makes for a unique sunset spot and daredevils can be seen cliff diving from the jagged edges.

A stunning body of water surrounded by dense forest, Pinecrest Lake, near Sonora, is the perfect place to while away a day.

Water activities include sailing, swimming and kayaking, while on land there are hiking and horse riding routes to explore.

The lake is located just off Highway 108.

visitnewportbeach.com

pinecrestlakeca.com 

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BOOK IT WITH... TREK AMERICA Save 10% with a 14-day Westerner 2 BLT trip from Trek America. Trip highlights include city tours of San Francisco and Hollywood, LA, Highway One, exploringYosemite’s towering granite peaks and partying in Las Vegas, Prices from £1530 pp. trekamerica.com

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48hrs in...

Baltimore Forget The Wire these days Baltimore is known as Charm City, voted by Forbes Magazine as one of the U.S.’s top 10 coolest, says Anna Selby Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner.

Evening: Take the water taxi back to the cobbled streets of Fell’s Point, once home to Billie Holiday and now to the city’s best designer shops, bars and restaurants. Try Bar Vasquez on Aliceanna Street, a vast warehouse space with live music, perfect Argentine beef and local softshell crabs.

Day 2: High Culture, Low Culture

Day 1: Head for the Harbour

“Fort Henry, birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, sits at the mouth of Baltimore's Inner Harbour”

Top picture: Mount Vernon, Baltimore's cultural heart; above: great food and drink by the harbour

Morning: Baltimore is built around its vast say which was once a major shipbuilding centre and port exporting sugar, fish and tobacco.

Now it’s full of shops, restaurants, luxury flats and museums. The museums include four historic ships (well, one is a submarine) that you can visit and I recommend the USS Constellation, a sloopof-war built in 1854 that stages a daily live cannon exercise.

A short walk around the bay and you’ll come to a great Science Museum, A a little further on still you’ll find the unique American Visionary Art Museum. This is full of the work of self-taught artists including a film on the murmurations of starlings, works focused on mysteries (the moon, the human heart, near-death experiences) and a life-size sculpture of local author Edgar Allan Poe made of Peeps marshmallow candies. Go in sceptical, come out entranced!

Afternoon: Take a water taxi to Fort McHenry. This was where the locals held out against the dastardly Brits’ bombardment of their base in 1812. Seeing the flag still waving in the next day’s dawn above the devastation,

Morning: Take the Charm City Circulator – Baltimore’s free bus system – to Mount Vernon. This is Baltimore’s cultural heart, packed with palatial 19th century houses, parks, galleries and museums. It was once home to the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Wallis Simpson. Must-sees include the Washington Monument (built before DC’s), Walters Art Museum and the awe-inspiring Peabody Library.

Afternoon: Local brewing is big in Baltimore. Head for Brewers Hill and visit the many micro-breweries across town. The Brewer’s Art is in a grand Mount Vernon townhouse. Alternatively try Heavy Seas and its pirate-themed beers.

Evening: Baltimore loves sport. At M&T Stadium you can cheer for the only NFL team named after a poem (the Ravens by Edgar Allen Poe). The Orioles play at Camden Yards, renowned as the U.S.’s most beautiful ballpark stadium. And don’t forget to see the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum on Emory Street, a shrine to baseball’s greatest star. 

BOOK IT WITH... PURELY AMERICA Three nights at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor and three nights at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina – both room-only – plus return flights with BA and four days' car hire with insurance, unlimited mileage and breakdown assistance, leads in at £1,099pp, based on two sharing.

0844 80 444 80; purelyamerica.co.uk

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christmas markets

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happy holidays

Selling a trip to one of Europe’s ‘Christmas Capitals’ can bring plenty of festive cheer to agents, says Jeannine Williamsom

B

Trier Christmas Market, Germany, a town on the banks of the Moselle River

rowsing through the wooden chalets topped with twinkling lights I have one eye firmly fixed on my watch.

It’s just before noon and as I walk through Strasbourg’s Christmas market, the crisp air is filled with the tempting aromas of gingerbread and food stalls selling the famous Alsace three-meat baeckeoffe stew, made with mutton, beef and pork.

Home to the European Parliament and headquarters of Europe, Strasbourg during the festive season also makes a strong claim for being the ‘Capital of Christmas’.

Founded in 1570, the Christmas market is the oldest in France and I feel as if I’m in a winter wonderland as I stock up on

traditional wooden toys, crafts and handmade gifts to take home.

Overlooking the market is Strasbourg’s distinctive one-towered cathedral – the money to build the second spire ran out – and I head inside to join the crowd gathered around the 60ft astronomical clock, one of the largest in the world.

Bang on 12.30pm, a mechanical cockerel crows and the amazing timepiece that also charts the exact position of the sun and moon comes to life, providing the one chance each day to see the 12 Apostles and other figures move around.

Afterwards, and much to my relief, there’s still plenty of time to continue my Christmas shopping.

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Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on double occupancy in an outside stateroom and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares may fluctuate and should be used as a guide only. Prices may go up or down. You should contact us on 0207 399 7601 before booking, or visit our website www.crystalcruises.co.uk. The fares are available to new bookings only and are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. ©2018 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.

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christmas markets

Christmas cheer

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Germany

Festive markets are guaranteed to fill As the home of Christmas markets, most clients with a little Christmas cheer. towns offer festive shopping opportunities: Germany is the heartland of the yuletide in Cologne alone there are seven markets, market scene but there are plenty of including a gay and lesbian one. others to choose from including an Dresden’s market dates back to 1434, increasing number in the UK. making it one of the oldest in Germany, Patrick Millar, Kirker Holiday’s Marketing and a novelty is the 45ft nutcracker Manager, said: “The Baltic States are that’s the tallest in the world. Another back on the radar for many discerning historic market is in the toy-making city travellers, and make excellent alternatives of Nuremberg where food stands sell the to the more wellcity’s famous slim known Christmas “Christmas markets appeal sausages – there’s market destinations three in every bun. to all ages and are a great in Germany and opportunity for crosscentral Europe.

Top tip: Suggest a river “Tallinn offers cruise such as Tauck’s generation travel, like picturesque medieval (tauck.co.uk) new Holiday mother-daughter trips” cobbled streets; Magic family itinerary, Matthew Herbert, Product and Yield Director, Shearings Holidays Riga’s Art Nouveau from Munich to Vienna, facades make an or reverse. Ships stop elegant backdrop to its pretty market close to the heart of towns and within walking and Vilnius is one of the most underrated distance of the markets. capital cities in Europe.”

The markets appeal to all age groups, not Austria just couples, and can also cover several Vienna’s 20-plus Xmas markets include countries, said Matthew Herbert, Product one by City Hall, where children can learn and Yield Director, Shearings Holidays. how to make cookies and candles, and “Our coach tours visit more than one a Christmas village in front of the grand destination during a trip, providing much Belvedere Palace. Innsbruck’s Family more of an experience and the chance to Christmas Market at Marktplatz has enjoy all the scenery along the way. puppet shows and a petting zoo, and in “They provide an excellent hook to travel Linz the Volksgarten market features a lifeat a time of year when agents can be size crib and half-hourly nativity plays. quieter and looking for sales opportunities.

“Christmas markets allow agents to Top tip: Recommend excursions during the connect with their current customer base day when attractions such as art galleries and and sell them something a little different, museums are often quieter than at other times of along with providing a great opportunity the year. In Vienna the Kirker Concierge service for cross-generation travel, such as mother (kirkerholidays.com) can book concert, ballet and and daughter trips.” opera tickets in advance.

From top left: Stockholm’s Christmas tree; fairy lights in Strasbourg; Vienna Cathedral; wooden toys are a classic Christmas market bargain; a snowy Riga

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FESTIVE FIVE-STAR RIVER CRUISING Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets Five days from only £749pp Discover the magical ambience of Germany’s traditional Christmas markets with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas, plus the stunning Rhineland in its wintry splendour.

• Enjoy a guided tour of Bonn and explore its traditional Yuletide market • Cruise through the spectacular, world-famous Rhine Gorge in all its wintry glory • Discover historic Koblenz on our guided tour, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers • Soak up the magical ambience of Cologne and explore its seven superb markets • Visit the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, and its pictureperfect Christmas market Selected departures in December 2018

The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets Six days from only £899pp Experience the grand imperial cities nestled along the iconic Danube and their festive seasonal markets at a truly magical time of year.

• Enjoy a guided tour of fascinating Budapest, the Hungarian capital of two halves and explore its acclaimed Yuletide markets • Spectacular cruising along the iconic Danube, including the dramatic Danube Bend in its seasonal splendour • Soak up the magical classical ambience of Vienna on our guided tour and enjoy its inspirational, historic markets • Discover delightful Bratislava on our guided tour and wander the atmospheric markets of the restored old town Selected departures in December 2018

SO MUCH IS INCLUDED • Fascinating tours and excursions with expert guides • The services of an experienced cruise director and tour manager • Return flights from a selection of UK airports • Spacious and beautifully appointed suites or cabins with hotel-style beds and river views • All meals on board including welcome cocktails, a welcome dinner and the Captain’s Dinner • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi

CONTACT OUR AGENCY SALES TEAM:

YOUR FRIENDLY AGENCY SALES TEAM

Call for support: 01283 744307 | email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk

CALL RESERVATIONS 7 DAYS A WEEK: Call to book: 01283 744370 | Book online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents

Joseph

Darren

Prices are based on two people sharing and are correct at time of print. Single supplements may apply. Solo holidays are operated by and subject to booking conditions of Riviera Travel, ABTA V4744 ATOL 3430 protected. Subject to availability. Additional entrance cost may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel.

Christmas markets.indd 46 Full Page - September 2018.indd 1 Selling Travel Xmas Markets

Tamzin

Mia

Paul

Emma

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Scandinavia itinerary in Helsinki, with the option to take a With its links to fairy-tale author Hans ferry to Tallin for the day. It is priced from £465pp Christian Andersen, Denmark’s capital including flights.

Copenhagen is a magical place to visit when the Tivoli Gardens are transformed UK into a Christmas market.

Christmas markets have become an In Sweden, Stockholm’s Old Town market established feature of cities and towns boasts a quirky living advent calendar. At across the UK. From an estimated 30 18.00 daily in the countdown to Christmas, markets in 2007 the number grew to more a different window is opened in a building than 100 in 2017 and there will be more in Stortoget square. still this year.

The Norwegian Birmingham hosts capital Oslo has what it claims is the “The Baltic States make a stylish market largest ‘authentic’ excellent alternatives to featuring clothes and festive market the more well-known products made by outside Germany Christmas destinations local designers. and Austria while in Germany and central Europe”

London events include the Nordicthemed market Patrick Millar, Marketing Manager, Kirker Holidays co.uk) offers the threein Rotherhithe. night B&B Copenhagen’s Christmas Market Other markets can be found throughout break. Priced from £655pp, it includes flights and the country including in York, Beverley a Tivoli Gardens tour. (probably the most popular festival of its kind in Yorkshire, with over 100 stalls), Baltics Newcastle, Exeter, Bath, Lincoln, St Albans Festive shopping in the Baltic countries and Stratford-upon-Avon. Themed breaks of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania offers are sold through operators including excellent value for money. With one Newmarket Holidays (newmarketholidays.co.uk). of the best-preserved medieval town centres, UNESCO-listed Tallinn provides a Top tip: Boost earnings by booking an experience picture-postcard backdrop for shopping. such as a London West End show or a Prosecco It’s said the first Christmas tree was afternoon tea at Marco Pierre White’s Bardolino put up in Riga in 1510 and magnificent in Birmingham through Do Something Different examples grace the two main markets. A (dosomethingdifferent.com). large and colourful Christmas tree that’s decorated differently every year is also the Best of the rest centrepiece of Vilnius market.

Enjoy festive treats such as panettone cake in Italy where Venice’s markets offer the Sell it: Get two Christmas markets for one with chance to buy stylish Murano glass and Inntravel’s (inntravel.co.uk) new three-night B&B gourmet goodies. In the French culinary Sell it: Best Served Scandinavia (best-served.

Clockwise: Strøget, Copenhagen’s main shopping street; Christmas decorations in the town square, Vilnius, Lithuania; hand-made gifts on show in Riga; gingerbread hearts in Nuremberg, Germany; Manchester’s Christmas market will feature more than 300 stalls

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capital Lyon the spectacular Festival of Lights is held in December, with amazing illuminations projected onto the facades of historic buildings.

The aptly-named Wenceslas Square provides a perfect festive setting for the seasonal markets in the Czech Republic’s capital city Prague. Running from December 1 to January 6 2019, the winter wonderland set-up will feature gift items like cut-glass ornaments and delicate decorations made from straw.

For those clients who just can’t make up their minds where to go, Shearings Holidays (shearingsagents.com) has a new weeklong Four Countries Christmas Markets Tour taking in Germany, Austria.

Did you know?

Silent Night, the carol universally associated with Christmas, was first sung 200 years ago on Christmas Eve in the Alpine village of Oberndorf in Austria’s Salzburgerland. 

Sell it: Ramblers Walking Holidays (ramblersholidays.co.uk) offers a seven-night Above: Colmar in the Alsace region of France, near the border with Germany, has five Christmas markets. Right: hot chocolate at a Munich Christmas market

half-board Christmas holiday in Venice. Priced from £1,225pp including flights and dinners in local restaurants.

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Rotterdam, Rouen & Honfleur Christmas Markets

Marco Polo departs: Sun, 9th December 2018, 5 nights from £375pp Transfer by coach from Bristol to Tilbury £25pp. London Tilbury Rotterdam - Cruise River Seine - Rouen – Honfleur - Bristol Avonmouth

German Christmas Market & Amsterdam

Columbus departs: Thur, 13th December 2018, 4 nights from £315pp London Tilbury - Amsterdam - Hamburg - London Tilbury.

Columbus

Festive Dublin Party Cruise

Marco Polo departs: Sun, 16th December 2018, 3 nights from £199pp Bristol Avonmouth - Dublin (overnight) - Bristol Avonmouth.

Christmas Market & Festive Getaway

Columbus departs: Mon, 17th December 2018, 3 nights from £249pp London Tilbury - Amsterdam - Antwerp - London Tilbury.

Marco Polo

12.5% Enhanced Basic Commission+ • Promotional support • No direct booking discounts Book Online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com

Call: 0844 414 6161

Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140

Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk

Applies to sales achieved over £5k for 2018/19 cruises. *Fare Offer valid until the 31st October 2018. Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. C900/C902/C903/P900/P901. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. 4597

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a dv e r t or ia l

exploring a

Winter Wonderland!

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iscover sun, snow and the dolce vita on the slopes of South Tyrol, Italy’s most northerly region amongst the colourful mountains of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites.

It is home to some of the best ski and snow sports runs in the world, and, with over 1,000km of pistes and views, it’s no wonder skiers around the world love the region.

There are around 30 ski areas spread throughout the South Tyrol region, the majority of which can be found in either the Dolomiti Superski region, the world’s largest ski circuit, or the Ortler Ski Arena, located in the west and with its focus on family-friendly ski areas.

‘Bucket-list’ skiing Passionate skiers will certainly want to conquer a circuit around the Sellaronda. The route circles the Sella Massif and is complemented by Dolomite views, perfect slopes and plenty of cosy mountain restaurants.

But there are more ‘bucket list’ runs to be discovered aside from the Sellaronda. The First World War Skitour will take you on a route around the mountains to discover traces of

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the conflict. The most spectacular descent of the tour is from the top of Lagazuoi, the longest ski slope in the Dolomites.

Several individual ski slopes have also received acclaim, including Ski World Cup courses like the Saslong in Val Gardena, and the Grand Risa in Alta Badia.

Finish up with après ski in a warm log hut, and relax off the piste in one of the region’s spas and thermal baths, offering traditional treatments such as milk, honey and hay baths.

Seasonal highlights Start the season early and get one day free with a minimum four night stay from November 30 to December 22, 2018.

Ask directly at accommodation for the special offer.

Also, from March 16 until the end of the 2019 season, get seven days skiing for the price of six. The promotion applies to participating establishments in Dolomiti Superski resorts.

The Dolomiti Classic events on the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit are being held in Val Gardena (December 14 & 15, 2018), Alta Badia (December 16 & 17, 2018), Kronplatz (January 15, 2019) and Cortina d’Ampezzo (January 19 & 20, 2019).

Visit dolomitisuperski.com for more information.

9/27/18 05:58 PM

October 2018

VISIT USA NEWS T H IS M O N T H ' S TO P S TOR I ES FROM V I SI T U SA' S MEMBERS • V I SI T U SA. O RG.UK

Under the Arch

THE Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, has undergone a $380-million renovation. The museum under the

Fright fest

Universal fright nights

HALLOWEEN 4: The Return of Michael Myers will be taking a stab at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights this month.

Based on the fourth installment in the classic slasher series created by John Carpenter, the mazes will transport guests to the suburban town of Haddonfield, Illinois, on Halloween night, where Myers has fled Smith’s Grove Sanitarium and is out for revenge.

Guests will follow Myers as he escapes the mental hospital, encounters his first victims at Penney’s Gas Station and Diner, and wreaks terror on Haddonfield.

The maze will feature jump scares by Myers in his classic featureless white mask and navy jumpsuit, with guests dodging his bloody knife at every turn.

Fans of the film can also expect cameos by other famous characters. universalorlando.co.uk

“The Grand Canyon is just one of 22 national parks and monuments in Arizona, and Brits who have travelled here want to see more parks and landsapes" Debbie Johnson, Arizona Office of Tourism

famous Arch has a new look while the memorial to Thomas Jefferson and the Westward Expansion Era has been completely renovated.

visitmo.com

Have it your way TRAVELSPHERE has

launched its 'Make Your Own Way' flexible escorted touring holidays. Customers will have the option to choose how and when they fly rather than including it as part of the package. New USA tours include a New York, Boston and Maritime Cruise, combining a twin city break and cruise. travelsphere.co.uk

Aer Lingus boost

AER Lingus will increase its services to North America from Dublin with a new flight to Minneapolis from next summer. The carrier will launch a daily service on July 8, 2019. Aer Lingus flies to Dublin from 18 airports around the UK, for onward connections to destinations across North America. aerlingus.com

THE USA in brief...

PHILLY is ART gearing up for a monthlong celebration of its public artworks.

More than 25 events are planned throughout October’s Mural Arts Month 2018, featuring dedications, exhibitions and performances. Visitors can sign up for a walking tour that offers a glimpse into the stories behind the Mural Arts’ collection. discoverPHL.com

MAVERICK Helicopters has boosted operations to Hawaii’s northern most island, Kauai.

Guests can choose two experiences that take in Kauai’s spectacular landscapes including Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, and Manawaiopuna Falls, nicknamed Jurassic Falls. maverickhelicopter.co.uk TOURS

W MIAMI has announced the opening of its new, signature restaurant, ADDiKT. Located on the hotel's 15th floor, it offers views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Menu highlights include inventive cocktails and dishes inspired by Asian, South American and European cuisine. wmiamihotel.com HOTELS

Look out for our Visit USA Association online Travel Update for the pick of members' news

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

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT CONFERENCE CENTRE FOR VEGAS CAESARS Forum, a 550,000 square foot confence centre, is set to open in Las Vegas in 2020.

The $375 million investment will feature two of the largest pillarless ballrooms in the world and will be located at the centre of the Las Vegas strip. It will also feature a 100,000 sq. ft plaza. lvcva.com

LEARN ABOUT ALABAMA ONLINE ALABAMA Tourism has launched a new online training portal giving agents access to a wealth of information across all areas of the state.

Agents who complete the modules will have access to giveaways and prizes throughout the year, including a place on a fam in 2019. alabama.travel

introducing...

Flagstaff CVB CHERRI LAMONT GLOBAL TRAVEL TRADE MANAGER How long have you been a Visit USA member?

Three years.

Airline

Phoenix rises for AA

AMERICAN AIRLINES is to introduce a new service between Heathrow and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, from March 31 2019.

The daily service will be operated by a two-class Boeing 777-200, with Premium Economy and Flagship Business, and will complement the existing service between the cities run by British Airways.

“The Grand Canyon is just one of 22 national parks and monuments in Arizona, and Brits who have travelled here before want to see more parks, landscapes and Arizona cities and towns. This additional nonstop flight makes it easier to do that”, said Debbie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Next summer AA will also introduce daily services between Edinburgh and Philadelphia and from Dallas Fort Worth to Dublin, launching April 2 and June 6 respectively. aa.com

Thrills at Busch Gardens

A new triple-launch steel rollercoaster called Tigris will open in Florida's Busch Gardens in spring 2019. The attraction will be the state's tallest launch coaster, reaching heights of up to 150 feet and clocking speeds of more than 60mph along 1,800 feet of steel track. Additionally, a second new thrill ride will be coming to the Gwazi area of the theme park in 2020. visitflorida.com

Premier earnings

PREMIER Holidays has joined forces with Travel Texas to create a new incentive to sell the Lone Star State. For every Texas booking made up to October 31, agents can earn between £25 and £150 in shopping vouchers. A 10-night Cowboys and Vineyards self-drive is from £1,699pp. premierholidays.co.uk

What are the main benefits of membership? It's a really cost-effective way for us to reach thouands of consumers and travel companies with ease. It also helps us have a voice in the UK market and reach the trade, travellers and the UK media.

Why should agents be adding Flagstaff to their U.S. itineraries?

Aside from being just 80 minutes from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff truly is a destination for all seasons.

Visitors can enjoy summer festivals, go skiing in the winter, drink in the food and craft beer culture or visit one of seven national parks. There are also monuments to Flagstaff's role in the Apollo moon missions, Route 66 and a seemingly endless list of outdoor activities.

What's your favourite Flagstaff experience?

I love to go hiking and one of my favouite places is Walnut Canyon, a National Monument where you can find 25 rooms carved out of the cliff by the Sinagua, a pre-Columbian cultural group. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these ancient people. flagstaffarizona.org

Subscribe to the Visit USA Association online Travel Update at visitusa.org.uk

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my trip to... vietnam

all aboard the Reunification Express

New rolling stock and a highly efficient service make the train the ideal way to explore Vietnam from north to south, discovers Rupert Parker

T

he streets are narrow and congested and lined with noodle stalls and hawkers offering sizzling and smoking baskets of exotic snacks.

The Old Quarter is the historic heart of Hanoi but the city has more modern monuments, such as the monumental marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, where the celebrated leader lies in a glass sarcophagus. I file past his pale, frail body, still remarkably well preserved, apparently due to regular maintenance in Russia.

A hundred miles east is Halong Bay, containing an extraordinary collection of limestone peaks, rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. The best way of seeing these is from the sea, ideally on an overnight cruise on a luxury junk.

There are more than 3000 islands in the bay, eroded by the wind and waves, into startling shapes. As the sun begins to sink

below the horizon these limestone peaks assume their true majesty, although in the early morning they’re no less impressive, looming through the early mist.

Old empire

Back in Hanoi, I take the overnight sleeper train to Hue, the capital of the Nguyen Empire, from 1802 to 1945. A cruise along the Perfume River takes me to the magnificent seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda before visiting the ruins of the immense Imperial Citadel, or Purple Forbidden City if you prefer, on the north bank. It’s surrounded by six miles of walls,

pierced by ten gateways and inside the Imperial Enclosure houses the ruins of the emperor’s residence, temples and palace.

Heading south, the train negotiates one of the most exhilarating stretches of the line. It climbs to the Pass of the Ocean Clouds through a series of tunnels and reaches the geological divide between North and South Vietnam.

Sandy beaches lie below, with hazy islands in front and misty mountains on the horizon. Paul Theroux called it one of the loveliest places in the world in his railway odyssey, The Great Railway Bazaar, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Changing landscapes

Below is Da Nang, Vietnam’s fourth largest city and once an important U.S. base, but there’s no time to stop. Inside the carriage the cheery railway staff dispense

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my trip to... vietnam

mountains of rice and dubious grilled meats from their trolleys. I settle for a couple of beers and soak up the timeless landscape drifting by. Miles and miles of rice paddies, worked by farmers in straw conical hats leading their water buffalo and sloshing through the fields.

It‘s something of a shock to arrive in Nha Trang. Vietnam’s Benidorm has clusters of high-rise hotels lining the long sandy beach. The Vietnamese are earnest holiday makers and dawn sees the shallows already packed with paddlers.

Island excursions, snorkelling and mud baths are on offer but I want to explore the 8th century red brick Po Nagar temple complex.

It’s a sort of microscopic Angkor Wat. Set on a low hill just outside town, it was

Basic facts Flight of fancy Direct return flights from London Heathrow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines offer the shortest flight time, but a popular option is to fly into Bangkok via one of a large number of carriers and connect to Vietnam with a regional airline like Bangkok Airways.

built by the Cham people who once ruled this region. Originally there were several towers but only four remain with the highest rising to 25m. It’s topped with a terraced pyramidal roof and inside the vaulted main chamber there’s a huge black stone statue of the goddess Uma, sitting cross legged, with ten arms.

The Hindu temple has been adopted by Buddhists and I’m surrounded by devout worshippers.

The last leg of the journey down this long and lean country sees me back on the rails for around eight hours before I arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as the locals still call it.

Setting sight on the city

Previuous page: chaotic Hanoi; Above, clockwise from top left: Hanoi’s Temple of Literature; train guards waiting to leave the station; Ho Chi Minh’s austere mausoleum; Nha Trang Beach

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At first sight the city’s legendary charm seems to have been replaced by a jumble of high rises, but I still find traces of its colonial past. Buildings from the

On the line Great Rail Journeys’ 18-day escorted group tour, Experience Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Delta, follows the same journey. It’s priced from £2,995pp, including flights, four-star accommodation, rail ticket, excursions and selected meals. GRJ Independent tailor-make holidays to Vietnam for those travelling on an individual basis.

01904 527 180; greatrail.com

Red tape British passport holders do not need a visa if staying in Vietnam for 15 days or less.

Look on the bright side Vietnam is a year-round destination but the weather varies by region. In Hanoi and the north, May to October is hot and humid with high rainfall, while November to April is cooler and dry. Central Vietnam experiences hot, dry weather between January and has heavy rains in September, October and November.

Southern Vietnam is generally dry and hot from November to April, with the highest rainfall between June and August.

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my trip to... vietnam

Above: Halong Bay. Right: the gate into Hue’s Imperial City

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French period include the central Post Office, with its counters now dominated by a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh, and the imposing red brick Notre Dame cathedral.

I’m interested in the more recent past and the War Remnants museum has a clutter of military hardware in its grounds and three floors telling the grim story of the Vietnam War. The former Presidential Palace has been left as it was when the Viet Cong tanks smashed through the gates and those same tanks still stand guard. A trip out of town takes me to the Cu Chi underground tunnels where Viet Cong soldiers hid before launching their final offensive on the city.

The Continental Hotel, where Graham Greene set his novel, The Quiet American, still exists, and the rooftop bar at the Majestic Hotel is another popular spot for a sundowner. At times of war these bars were vantage points for viewing the action, now they’re posing points for rich locals and tourists.

I watch the sun go down on the city

and reflect on my journey, one that has covered 1,000 miles. It’s certainly one of the easiest ways of seeing the country.

Expect architecture spanning over 1,000 years and several cultures, sandy beaches, stunning scenery and unique food. The extra bonus is that you get to meet the locals and share it all with them. 

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Martin County This region of Florida offers visitors a rare glimpse into Florida as it once was: cattle farms, wetlands and dune-backed beaches. Laura Gelder discovers a hidden gem Why sell it?

It's a slice of old Florida, just north of The Palm Beaches and with miles of coastline, both along the Atlantic's Treasure Coast and Lake Okeechobee. It offers a mix of natural attractions: beaches, of course, but also acres of preserved land, along with traditional small towns oozing character and carefully-preserved history, arts and culture.

Who to sell to?

'Disconnect to reconnect' is the slogan of Martin County. This is no Miami or Orlando!

No building can be higher than four storeys but the county does lay claim to the highest natural point in Florida - the summit of Mount Hobe. It's a place for travellers who want to immerse themselves in nature or for couples or families who want to get away from the crowds or explore Florida's history. Indiantown was one of the last Seminole Indian trading posts and visitors can see the remnants of Florida's cattletrading past in ranches and rodeos.

It's also home to dozens of golf courses designed by legends of the sport like Jack Nicklaus, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Tom Fazio.

What to sell ?

Miles of peaceful beaches are a major draw!

Activities include kayaking, surfing and fishing in the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere: Martin County is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World.

HOBE SOUND

CUBIC BEACH INLET

Coastal communities include historic fishing village Port Salerno, which blends artist studios with waterfront dining; Stuart, named 'America’s Happiest Seaside Town'

by Coastal Living Magazine; and Hutchinson Island's pristine beaches.

Inland, visitors can dine on farm-to-table delights, tour sustainable farms or be a cowboy/girl for the day. Indiantown is in the heart of Florida’s cattle and citrus country and home to one of the top thoroughbred horse racing facilities in the U.S. Historic sights include downtown Stuart’s Lyric Theatre, a 1920s silent movie houseturned arts centre, and the art deco Court House Cultural Center & Gallery, the oldest and largest visual arts museum in the U.S. Shoppers can search the racks of the Treasure Coast Square Mall or enjoy dipping into the eclectic shops on tree-lined streets in Stuart and Jensen Beach.

Martin County has over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land. Jonathan Dickinson State Park teems with wildlife, such as alligators, manatees and bald eagles.

Its 13 natural habitats, including mangroves, are explored via paved and off-road bike, horse and hiking trails or by boat or kayak.

Hobe Sound National Wildlife refuge is known for its nesting turtles while Blowing Rocks Preserve is named for its rocky limestone shoreline but also has an intact dune habitat, now sadly rare in Florida, with beach sunflower, sea grape and sea oats.

How to sell it ?

Martin County is 45 minutes from Palm Beach Airport, an hour from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport, 90 minutes from Miami Airport, and two hours from Orlando Airport.

Luxurious Hutchinson Shores Beach Resort & Spa has guest rooms decked out in shades of blue, balconies with stunning views and world-class wellness facilities. 

BOOK IT WITH... AMERICA AS YOU LIKE IT A seven-night holiday to Martin County is from £1110pp, including international flights, car hire and seven nights at the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. The price is based on two people sharing.

020 8742 8299; americaasyoulikeit.com

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9/28/18 11:15 AM

Discover Peru with Air Europa Fly to Lima on board our Boeing 787 Dreamliner for an unforgettable flying experience.

Daily flights from London Gatwick.

All flights are via Madrid.

For more information, call: 08714230717 or visit: www.aireuropaexperts.com

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N EW BA S E RV IC E T O... OSAKA, JAPAN

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C R U I S E N EW S TRENDS FOR OCEAN AND RIVER

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U N I T E M I DDL E E A S T REGIONAL PRODUCT NEWS

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C H E C K I NG OU T SRI LANKA & WASHINGTON D.C.

GET ONLINE – READ ALL OUR MAGAZINES AND CHECK OUT OUR DAILY SELLING TIPS AT SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

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the review

Egypt pushes little Red diving goods

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS OBLU SELECT AT SANGELI MALDIVES

FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY Family offer: Kids under 12 receive FREE Return speedboat transfers!

AND Reduced all inclusive supplement PLUS – Renewed Early Bird Discounts Valid from now until December 23 2018

BY STEVE HARTRIDGE

NALADHU MALDIVES

DESTINATIONS on the Red Sea away from Sharm el Sheikh will be the focus of the Egyptian State Tourist office’s trade promotions in 2019, said the UK director Amr El Ezabi.

“Resorts such as Hurghada, Makadi Bay, El Gouna and Soma Bay, best known for their worldclass diving but with a growing range of family-focused hotels are already hugely popular in markets such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland – but are not making quite the same impact on British travellers,” said El Ezabi.

Both agents and tour

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT • EXTRA 5% DISCOUNT, Meaning up to 35% OFF rates!

• Valid for stays between now and March 31 2019

ANANTARA KIHAVAH MALDIVES VILLAS

WINTER OFFERS STILL AVAILABLE Stay seven nights or more and receive: • Up to 35% OFF room rates • Valid for stays between now and December 23 2018

HIDEAWAY MALDIVES

LAST CHANCE FOR WINTER OFFERS Book by October 31, 2018 and receive: • Up to 40% OFF room rates • Valid for stays between November 18 And 30 April 2019

operators would be targeted with fam trips to the region in 2019, he added.

El Gouna, with its 18 hotels, is located just north of Hurghada’s airport, with Mkadi Bay, which is nestled between a desert and a mountain range, around half an hour south. Soma Bay, which has eight hotels and a Gary Player designed championship golf course, is a 15 minutes further.

Red Sea resorts offer a base for sun worshippers and a for a tour of Egypt’s historic sites, like Luxor (about two hours north). egypt.travel

New deal for Osborne & Ebel TRADE-FRIENDLY Wholesaler

Osborne & Ebel has a special deal for the Sheraton Full Moon Resort Maldives. Five nights start from £375pp on a full-board basis, including return speedboat transfers.

For travel up to October 31 2018 and May 1 to September 30 2019. The resort is a short boat transfer from Male Airport with excellent access to great diving spots, pristine beaches and great F&B options. For details contact: sales@osborneandebel.com

ALSO FIND EXCLUSIVE DEALS FOR TRAVEL TRADE PERSONNEL ONLY ON OUR WEBSITE

OVER 200 HOTELS AND A SELECTION OF TOURS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE MALDIVES – SRI LANKA – MAURITIUS – SEYCHELLES INDIA – UAE – CARIBBEAN – GREECE – NEW CRUISING AND SAILING. INCLUDING EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR WINTER 2018 SUMMER 2019 AND WINTER 2019/20 RATES ARE NOW ONLINE

osborneandebel.com All above offers are subject to availability | Terms & Conditions Apply

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Canadian Affair with the trade SPECIALIST Canada operator Canadian Affair is to embark on a major travel trade sales initiative.

The company, which first launched in 1995, will introduce sales to the trade in October and an online trade portal next month.

It’s also planning a wide range of activities for the trade, including roadshow events across the UK and a series of fam trips to different parts of Canada.

Chris Hedley, Managing Director of Canadian Affair, said: “As the leading tour operator to Canada and one with over 20 years’ experience, it’s a natural evolution for Canadian Affair to broaden its distribution strategy and offer our expertise to the travel trade.” canadianaffair.com

BA to have a ball in Japan

BY STEVE HARTRIDGE

BRITISH AIRWAYS is to launch a direct flight between London and Osaka early next year, ahead of the Japan Rugby World Cup. The new route will start on March 31, departing from Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and landing into Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX).

With four weekly flights, the service will increase the number of flights between London and Japan offered by British Airways and joint partner Japan Airlines to 32 a week.

Kansai Airport is the gateway to the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.

Japan Airlines will offer a code share on the new service and the

route will be operated by one of British Airways’ newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, was named the third most liveable city in the world in a study by The Economist and is considered Japan’s food capital.

The city is surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry blossoms. Attractions include its modern architecture, nightlife, street food, the 16thcentury shogunate Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi-taisha, among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

The Rugby World Cup will be played in Japan between September 20 and November 2.

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Shearings has preferred options SHEARINGS Holidays’ Britain & Ireland brochure 2019 features 20 debut tours and a newly-created ‘Bay Preferred Hotels’ selection of ‘handpicked’ hotels.

New tours for 2019 include an eight-day break in Fort William, with a journey on the Jacobite Steam Railway, better known as the Hogwarts Express (from £434pp); a five-day tour in the Peak District (£301pp); and an eight-day coach tour that includes a trip to Charlestown, used for many of the harbour scenes in Poldark, in which it doubles for Truro (from £435pp).

Also new is a 12-day British Isles cruise on MV Columbus, with stops including the Isle of Skye, Tobermory, Dublin, Cork, the Isles of Scilly and Guernsey, from £1054pp. shearingsagent.com

batraveltrade.com; seejapan.co.uk

Express Rail Link sees Hong Kong speeding towards China THE Hong Kong Express Rail Link, which connects the city with the rest of Mainland China’s 25,000 km long national high-speed rail network for the first time, is up and running.

Almost 20 years in the making, The Vibrant Express visits 44 stations across China’s high-speed network including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.

Trains operate at maximum speeds of 200km per hour,

connecting Hong Kong with Guangzhou in 48 minutes (down from two hours) and Beijing in nine hours (down from 24 hours).

There are 114 pairs of trains operating six short haul routes, while 13 pairs of trains service 38 long haul destinations each day.

Trains leave and arrive at The West Kowloon Station, one of the largest underground high-speed rail stations in the world.

Dawn Page, Director, UK and

Northern Europe at Hong Kong Tourism Board commented: “The launch further strengthens Hong Kong’s renowned status as an international hub for leisure and business travellers. Visitors can enjoy luxury train holidays throughout China, using our city as the starting or finishing point.”

Tickets start from HK$274 (£27) to Guangzhou South and HK$1,240 (£123) to Beijing. discoverhongkong.com

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the review

Cosmos has new lite touch COSMOS Tours is giving customers the freedom to tailor escorted tours to their own interests, budgets and pace with its new Cosmos Lite product.

Launching in 2019 with eight itineraries that combine major cities with lesser-known destinations in Europe, tours include city-to-city transfers, hotels, breakfasts, a tour director, optional MyCosmos excursions and access to the CosmosGo mobile app which gives suggestions for entertainment, sightseeing, dining and shopping.

Excursions range from cooking classes in Lisbon to a bike tour of Bratislava. cosmos.co.uk

Scenic down under is the business

ESCORTED tour operator Scenic’s 2019/20 Iconic Wonders of Australia and New Zealand brochure features a range of new experiences and a free Business Class flight upgrade offer.

Fresh options include a day trip to the Blue Mountains and a new line-up of dining choices such as a seafood platter for two at Nick’s Bar and Grill Darling Harbour.

New in Cairns is the Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise and a twonight stay at the Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel.

Also available is a two-night stopover in a choice of up to

eight destinations – from a Dubai beach break to a Hong Kong city stay – priced from £180pp.

The free Business Class Flight upgrade one-way, applies to holidays booked before November 30 2018.

Scenic’s 20-day Grand Australia tour is from £6,695pp while the 27-day Very Best of Australia and New Zealand is from £7,995pp.

Agents receive 150 River Rewards & More points for every Australia & New Zealand booking they make, to be redeemed against a range of prizes. scenic.co.uk; riverrewards.cruises

NEWS TO USE IN BRIEF ESPRIT SKI has an earlybooking ski offer of £645pp for a week in Tignes, France.

The deal is for Chalet Caribou, opposite the Esprit Ski nursery in Chalet Iceberg and 50m from the Esprit Ski Snow Club. The price includes flights, transfers and catered chalet accommodation with wine and departs December 16 from Stansted.

The offer can be combined with Esprit’s Buy One Get One Free Espace Killy Lift Pass offer, valid for earlyseason departures to save an extra £260. Esprit’s Childcare is from £39 for children aged 17 weeks to 12-years-old. espritski.com

MARRIOTT International will this month open the first Westin property in the Maldives.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has 70 villas and suites – 41 on-island and 29 over water – and sits on a coral island in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are three restaurants, a rooftop bar, a Spa, fitness centre and a Kids Club. westin.com

Serena’s popular Nairobi hotel gets a fresh look

BY STEVE HARTRIDGE

THE new-look Nairobi Serena Hotel opened its doors last month, revealing the first phrase of a major renovation.

The first changes to the five-star Leading Hotel of the World, located in the heart of Kenya’s capital, include a new front-of-house area with a spacious lobby and the addition of an executive (seventh) floor with larger, remodelled bedrooms and access to a dedicated executive lounge.

A new fusion restaurant is scheduled to open next month (November).

The final phase (south wing) of the hotel’s refurbishment is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2019, with a full room inventory of 199 rooms. serenahotels.com

TOUR operator Santa’s Lapland has a three-day break to ‘Santa’s home’ in Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland.

Prices start from £949pp, based on two adults and two kids (aged 2-11), for a December 10 2018 departures. Accommodation is half-board at the fourdiamond Santa’s Hotel Riekonlinna, with flights from London and regional airports. Also included are a private meeting with Santa and resident elves and husky and reindeer sleigh-rides.

Thermal clothing is provided. santasLapland.com

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the review: cruise

Cruise Update

River cruises run fast

cruiseexperts.org

CRUISE NEWS IN BRIEF AGENTS can save their clients up to £614pp off Active Discovery cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers by taking advantage of a new offer from Avalon Waterways. The luxury river cruise specialist is offering the discount for 2019 bookings on four itineraries including Active Discovery on the Danube, sailing from Budapest to Linz, and Active Discovery on the Rhine, from Amsterdam to Mainz. Prices for the nine-day Danube sailing start from £2,140pp, with prices for the eight-day Rhine cruise from £2,184pp.

ANDY HARMER, CLIA UK & Ireland Director

THIS year we have talked a lot about ‘Generation Cruise’ – that is, the fact that cruising has broken through into the mainstream and is no longer a specialist holiday.

But we know that there are still a lot of holidaymakers who have yet to even consider a cruise holiday.

So, throughout September and October CLIA is running a campaign encouraging even more people to #ChooseCruise.

We divided the campaign into eight weekly themes that focus on the onboard experience, including Family Cruising, Food and Drink, Entertainment, Themed Cruises and Spa and Wellness.

This is because the onboard experience is at the very heart of the cruise industry.

Travel agents sell the vast majority of cruises in the UK, as customers rely on them for expert knowledge and guidance through the booking process and those choices around cabin types, activities, entertainment, dining options, and more.

So now is the time for all of us to pull together to show the British holidaymaker just how incredible cruising is, no matter what their age or particular interests.

This truly is the time to #ChooseCruise!

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BY STEVE HARTRIDGE

avaloncruises.co.uk

THE rise of river cruising continued in 2017 with another record year of growth.

According to CLIA UK & Ireland’s latest UK River Cruise Review, passenger numbers rose by 21%, with total bed nights up by 24% over 2016. In 2017, the UK river cruise market reached 210,400 passengers, against 174,400 in 2016, with European river cruises making up 90% of the bookings.

Cruises in Central and Western Europe accounted for almost two-thirds (62%) of all river cruise bookings, with the Rhine and Danube leading the way.

But it was Eastern and Southern Europe that saw the most growth last year, predominantly on the waterways of Russia and on the

Douro (which flows through Spain and Portugal).

Outside of Europe, three rivers accounted for the bulk of passengers: the Mekong (southeast Asia), Nile (Egypt) and Irrawaddy (Myanmar), with the Ganges (India) and Brahmaputra (India) also performing well.

Andy Harmer, Senior VicePresident Membership and CLIA UK and Ireland Director commented on the report: “With continued investment and innovation in this sector, and with new events and initiatives to engage travel agents, the growth in river cruising continues to be an important part of the overall cruise industry.” cruiseexperts.org

Selling Emerald Xmas cruise is a piece of cake EMERALD Waterways has a Christmas Danube cruise that will feature afternoon tea with Mary Berry. Departing December 1, ‘Festive Delights of the Danube with Mary Berry’ will travel from Nuremberg to Budapest and also take in Vienna and Bratislava.

Prices start from £2,795pp for a cruise that will also include a gala Christmas dinner and a Q&A with the TV celebrity.

CELEBRITY XPEDITION has been revitalised by an array of enhancements. New for the 100-guest ship is redecorated staterooms, lounges and restaurants, and faster Wi-Fi. The ship will debut the new suites, services and amenities next June, to coincide with the arrival of the new Celebrity Flora. Both ships will explore the Galapagos Islands. celebritycruises.co.uk

PRINCESS Cruises’ fifth Royal-Class ship will be named Enchanted Princess.

Scheduled to launch on June 15 2020, it will sail a series of European voyages and will be a sister ship to Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess and Sky Princess. princess.com

SAGA has a new Croatia island-hopping cruise, priced from £1,149. Including flights from Gatwick with Croatian Airlines, the Coasts and Coves of Dalmatia tour, aboard MV Maritimo will depart on 17 dates between April and October 2019. travel.saga.co.uk

emeraldwaterways.co.uk

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the review: unite events

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UNITE MIDDLE EAST – SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

Meeting the Middle East Delegates gathered at the ‘one-stop-shop’ event on September 4 at the Grange Tower Bridge, London, for the third annual Unite Middle East event

IN BRIEF WARNER BROS. World in Abu Dhabi opened in July as the world’s first indoor theme park branded around Warner Bros. The park signed a commercial agreement with Etihad aimed at increasing tourism to Abu Dhabi. wbworld.com ACCORHOTELS was pleased to announce that Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has joined the group. The move will help Accor accelerate growth in the Middle East. Its new hotels in the region include Rixos Saadiyat Island and Fairmont Abu Dhabi (opening in 2019). accor.com MELIA Hotels and Resorts is rewarding agents selling its products via its Melia Pro training platform. Agents can earn commission and points on bookings which can be exchanged for nights, and save up to 50% on travel agent stays. melia.com OMAN is focusing on soft adventure and family and beach holidays. This follows increased flights to Muscat, and a new online visa application facility. omantourism.gov.om

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the review: checking out

Checking out...

HOTELS / RESORTS TRAIN JOURNEYS / CRUISES AIRPORT REVIEWS

HYATT HOUSE – Washington D.C., USA

BY STEVE HARTRIDGE

THE BACKGROUND: This apartment hotel of 237 studio rooms is located on The Wharf, a one-mile-long stretch being developed next to the Potomac river. Also on The Wharf is a Canopy by Hilton, Intercontinental, upmarket restaurants, bars, a music venue and outdoor stage.

THE CHECK-IN: Confusing at first as signage near the hotel isn’t the clearest, but the welcome was warm and smiley and the registration process swift.

THE ROOM: My Executive corner room (903) on the top (ninth) floor was enormous. It opened into a small kitchen area with a hob, dishwater, fridge-freezer and coffee-maker, and led into a dining room with a work table, sofa-bed, chairs and a large TV. The biggest wow factor is reserved

THE VERDICT Three blocks south of the National Mall, Hyatt House is an excellent alternative to the hotels in the Penn Quarter and Du Pont Circle areas. It’s a chic-modern hotel with great restaurants on its doorstep (although the hotel will also do a ‘grocery run’ for you).

for the bedroom, with its kingsize bed, chairs, couch and huge windows with magnificent views of The Wharf’s marina, Potomac and distant Thomas Jefferson memorial KEY FACILITIES: Wifi and breakfast (featuring a range of fruits, cooked items and an omelette station) is included in the nightly rate – which is unusual for hotels in the city.

There’s a small workout room and rooftop pool. A pier on The Wharf right in front of the hotel rents kayaks, boats and paddleboards, while the Washington Nationals’ baseball stadium, several monuments and Smithsonian museums are a short walk away.

Super comfortable and

Address: 725 Wharf Street, Washington DC,

a night, on a B&B basis.

quiet, the views from guest rooms are some of the best in the city. The downside? Perhaps the $35 per day parking rate.

RATES: Rates from $200

20024;  hyatt.com

GALLE FORT HOTEL – Galle, Sri Lanka

BY BENJAMIN COREN

THE LOCATION: At the heart of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort on Sri Lanka’s south coast, its location makes exploring the ramparts and streets on foot easy. Originally a Dutch mansion and warehouse, it retains much of its original façade.

THE CHECK-IN: Entering through the large 18th century doors into the open, airy reception evoked real wow factor. I awaited my key with a cool drink in the atmospheric pillared courtyard, before being given a brief tour of the amenities.

THE ROOM: I stayed in the luxurious Porcelain Suite which features walls adorned with 19th century blue-and-white porcelain plates and is filled with other authentic antiques. The room has high-vaulted ceilings and a four-poster bed. Double doors go through to a dressing room and bathroom with toilet, shower and sink. There’s a minibar, but no television, although wifi is found throughout the hotel.

KEY FACILITIES: This is one of the few hotels within the fort which has its own pool, out in the central courtyard. There’s also a bar and a restaurant serving abundant fresh seafood. The hotel advises guests on attractions, spa facilities and walking routes.

Address: 28, Church Street, Galle 80000, Sri

THE VERDICT This stunning boutique property is a welcome retreat from bustling Galle. Its central location and access to the ramparts makes it the perfect base from which to explore. With historical architecture and modern comforts, each room has its own personality. The dining is excellent and the romantic colonial decor makes it great for couples.

RATES: The Porcelain Suite starts from US$350 a night. Garden Suites are much cheaper.

Lanka;  galleforthotel.com

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your

CARIBBEAN NEWS THIS MO N TH’S TOP STORIES FROM THE CARIB B EAN

NEW ROOMS FOR BEACHES

MEET THE CTO MEMBER

Beaches Negril has expanded its family-friendly offering by adding nine luxury rooms and suites to its Jamaica property. The accommodation includes the Tropical Beachfront two-bedroom grand butler family suite and Negril luxury double. sellingsandals.co.uk

ATLYN FORDE Head of Marketing, Caribtours

Q

Q

HOW does being a CTO member help Caribtours?

The CTO’s Caribbean month throughout September was a great way to increase awareness of our exclusive Caribbean offers. We also attend the CTO networking events and Twitter chats.

Q

WHAT Don’t readers know about you?

Caribtours’ award-winning team are luxury Caribbean specialists who have slept in every room and walked on every beach in the Caribbean. We know each of the destinations we feature intimately.

Q

WHY visit the Caribbean?

Each island has a unique personality. The culture, landscape, food and the people all bring a different experience depending on which island you visit.

WIN A STAY AT LADERA RESORT The Caribbean proves to be a winter hot spot

Caribbean enjoys winter boom

The Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia is rewarding the agent that makes the most bookings between now and October 31, 2018 with a fivenight stay at the adult-only resort. Send booking details to sian@ladera.com to be in with a chance of winning. ladera.com

A year after hurricane Irma, the Caribbean is experiencing a boost as winter bookings to the islands are already beating pre-Irma figures.

WIMCO Villa Rentals reports there is a strong interest in private villa hire ahead of the festive months, with the majority of its villas and hotels across St Barts, Anguilla, St Martin, St John, US Virgin Isles, British Virgin Isles and Virgin Gorda open for the season starting November 1.

MUCH-ANTICIPATED ANTIGUA RESORT Anguilla has fully recovered and has been welcoming guests for months while St Martin is due to increase Hodges Bay Resort & airlift from November, although many buildings are still Spa in Antigua is due to open in under repair. Around 80% of Q4 2018. Built on a white-sand accommodation on St beach, the luxury resort is the John’s has reopened and on first Antigua hotel to be added BVI hotels such as Little Dix to Elegant Hotels’ portfolio. n aribbea C y Bay and The Westin St John Agents can receive 50% off il a The D rty at Hour Pa ilion, t are targeting 2019 as a bookings in an opening offer. e s n u S Pav bbean eleganthotels.com/hodges-bay reopening date. wimco.com the Cari 260 at WTM A Stand C ember 5-7 ov N m o fr m .wtm.co o d lon n THE THE Ministry of CTO is Tourism for Saint hosting an Lucia has Agent Training appointed a Day at World Tourism Advisory Travel Market on Committee to November 7, 2018 establish at stand CA260. sustainable and Join the CTO at WTM Sustaining the Caribbean The training will competitive take place from 10am and offer the chance tourism. Made up of 17 stakeholders, the to meet Caribbean industry partners and committee aims to re-evaluate the high gather the latest news from the region. cost of airfares to the island; strengthen Agents can also participate in the Caribbean links across the tourism sector; increase treasure hunt, with the chance to win prizes. incentives to small businesses; and raise To join the training day contact Ann-Marie greater awareness of Saint Lucia as a Brooks at abrooks@caribtourism.com tourism destination. govt.lc

HOTTEST NEWS

TELL us about Caribtours’ new brochure? The ‘Our Caribbean’ 2019 brochure now includes: Park Hyatt, St Kitts; Quintessence, Anguilla; The Liming, Bequia, St Vincent & The Grenadines; and Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla. And our Necker Island and full Anguilla programmes are back up and running.

don’t miss

caribbean.co.uk Sign up to the CTO’s training programme at caribbeantravelguru.com

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destination profile

Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago Few people have heard of this undiscovered, largely unspoilt collection of islands off the coast of Myanmar, but it’s starting to appear on the tourism radar, says Sara Macefield Top stops Sea gypsy villages Scattered across a few of the islands, these simple and rustic settlements are a fascinating window into the lives of these nomadic indigenous people who spend only a few months at a time in each.

The Lampi Island Marine National Park The only protected area, this is renowned for spectacular scenery, with mangroves best explored by kayak to discover the rich profusion of birds and marine species.

Cocks Comb Island Rugged limestone cliffs hide an idyllic lagoon at its centre, only accessible by kayaking or swimming through a narrow gap.

Like a tropical aquarium, it’s teeming with corals and rainbow-hued fish.

Nga Man Island Comprises a group of 115 islands, but the main island promises treks inland through the tropical forest to spot birdlife and monkeys, plus snorkelling off the dazzling beach to find ponderous parrot fish.

We’re moored amid the emerald green waters of the Andaman Sea, surrounded by a scattering of lush jungle-topped islands, but all I can hear is a persistent tapping.

On peering over the rails, I spot a solitary lady in a dugout canoe, holding up a transparent bag of fresh squid which she’s keen to sell to our captain.

She’s one of the sea gypsies – or Moken people – who inhabit the Mergui Archipelago, which we’re exploring on a week’s cruise with boutique line Pandaw.

Aside from local fishermen, she’s the only other person we encounter all week.

This collection of 800 islands has been off-limits to outsiders for decades. Little has changed since British rule ended in 1948 and many outposts, such as Stewart Island, still carry the names of the colonial civil servants they were named after.

Pandaw’s debut Aside from niche dive boats and yacht operator Burma Boating, Pandaw is the most prominent player in the area, having debuted October 2017 with its first foray into ocean cruising on the 20-passenger Andaman Explorer, a former Norwegian coastguard vessel built in 1963.

It was made into a floating palace by its former Italian owners, who own the Carrara marble quarries and coated the interior with 15 tonnes of it, but after being acquired by Pandaw it had a multimillion dollar upgrade too.

BOOK IT WITH... COX & KINGS A 12-night package, with three nights in Yangon and the seven-night Pandaw Mergui Archipelago sailing, with overnight flights via Bangkok, excursions, drinks, gratuities and use of kayaks and snorkelling equipment, starts from £4,945pp. coxandkings.co.uk; 020 3642 0861

A SEA GIPSY SELLING FISH

KAWTHAUNG TOWN

A castaway dream Mine is a round-trip passage from the southern Burmese town of Kawthaung on the Thai border. Guests mostly arrive from Yangon, having flown via Bangkok.

The week is largely spent exploring the Lampi Island Marine National Park, a natural wonderland of deserted, largely unspoilt islands that live up to the castaway dream of alabaster beaches dotted with shells. However, I’m shocked at the litter washed up on some shores – broken glass and bottles apparently tossed overboard by fishermen.

Thankfully, these were the exception, and memorable days are spent exploring islands and kayaking through mangroves and lagoons.

The crystal-clear waters teem with marine life and I catch glimpses of sailfish launching themselves out of the waves and predatory barracudas chasing glistening shoals of silvery fish.

Blazing sunsets are toasted by beach sundowners to the backdrop of calling songbirds, chattering monkeys and a chirruping chorus of cicadas, and with no phone signal or wifi it’s easy to feel completely relaxed.

For romantics, escapists and diving types, this region promises to be an ideal match. No wonder then, that Pandaw has expanded its Mergui sailings with 10-night voyages between Kawthaung and Yangon, plus seven and 10-night departures to the Andaman and Nicobar islands. 

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six of the best

ALBERTA

1

4 2

adrenaline activities

in A󰇰󰇩󰇪r󰇹󰈜

3 6 5

Alberta’s mountains, lakes and rivers offer plenty of chances to get the blood pumping, with challenging activities in both summer and winter. Laura Gelder picks out six Jet boat through the city

Your clients can experience an unforgettable journey on the North Saskatchewan River, starting from Edmonton’s Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park or from the town of Devon. The exhilarating boat ride zips past islands and carves through narrow channels, with the option to see the city sights or head out to wilder locations for a swim, or to alight on an island or secluded river bank to learn gold panning techniques. blackgoldrivertours.ca

Take the iron road in Norquay Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing experience along four breathtaking routes on the cliffs above Mount Norquay. Adventurers get to climb ladders and cross suspension bridges while marvelling at the surrounding mountain vistas. Led by a highly experienced guide, they wear a harness that is always attached to the mountain’s steel cable pathway. So they are on top of the world but safely attached to the rock! banffnorquay.com

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Delve into dark caves Adventure-seekers will love Canmore Cave Tours. Guests learn the incredible history of the Bow Valley and how caves are formed before rappelling 18 metres down underground. Once there, guests climb, crawl, wiggle and slide their way through waterworn passages to see highlights like a crystalclear pool, millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites, ancient animal bones, pictographs and fossils. canmorecavetours.com

Take the Crypt Lake Trail The first steps of this 10.8-mile trail in Waterton Lakes National Park are up the side of a giant headwall cliff. Next, hikers get to climb a fixed ladder and make their way through a natural 80-foot-long tunnel, which finally ends with heady views of a glacial-blue, trout-filled lake. Chains are bolted along a narrow ledge and the hike takes trekkers from Canada, over the U.S. border and back, with a 2,300-foot elevation gain. pc.gc.ca

Frozen climbs Using ice axes and crampons to climb frozen waterfalls sounds daunting but people of all ages and capabilities can try it – and beginner pitches are similar to just climbing a chilly ladder! The ice climbing season in the Rockies runs from November to the end of April (early April for lower elevation climbs). Waterfall Ice Climbing Grades range from the easy Grade Two to the expert level Grade Eight. Rockaboo Mountain Adventures in Jasper offers a thrilling six-hour experience. rockaboo.ca

Bobsled like a bolt of lightening Ever watched the Winter Olympics and wished you could have a go at the bobsled, luge or skeleton? At the former 1988 Olympics location, now WinSport Calgary, your clients can. For the bobsled experience an expert pilot slides passengers through 10 turns, hitting speeds of more than 100km an hour with a force of up to 4 Gs. If your clients dare to go solo, the skeleton reaches around 80km an hour! The centre is home to lots of top-notch winter sports facilities so schedule half a day so they can try ice skating, skiing, ski jumping or hockey too. winsport.ca

ALL IMAGES ARE COURTESY OF TRAVEL ALBERTA

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exploring...

Rwanda One of Africa’s smallest countries is now one of its biggest stars, thanks to stunning landscapes, its legendary mountain gorillas and more, says Lauren Jarvis ALL IMHGAES ARE COURTESY OF RWANDA TOURISM

I’m sitting eye-to-eye with a brooding, 150kg black mass of wild mountain gorilla, crouched in a thick tangle of forest in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains.

Behind him, baby gorillas tumble and play as their mothers languidly strip bamboo. It’s taken three hours to reach the Susa family, one of 10 gorilla groups that can be seen on a guided trek in Volcanoes National Park.

For their protection, we can only stay for an hour, and must keep a distance of seven metres. But mighty Manzi has other ideas. Breaking our face-off, he suddenly ‘bluff’ charges a ranger, before squatting hairy-back-to-back against my alarmed, although exhilarated, travel companion.

With close-up enounters like this, it’s no surprise that gorilla trekking tops so many travellers’ bucket lists.

LAKE KIVU SUNSET

Kings of the jungle Gorillas are also found in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo but they're the jewel in Rwanda’s crown and the country has done much to preserve them.

In July 2017, the government doubled the cost of a tourist trekking permit from $750 to $1,500, to boost revenue for conservation and community projects. The price hike has not deterred trekkers, with the number of UK visitors up 21% last year.

Almost 25 years after the dreadul genocide (1994), Rwanda is now a stable and exciting destination and one bent on a sustainable future (plastic bags are already banned).

Its capital, Kigali, is a clean, modern gateway and business hub, with several big-name hotels, including Radisson Blu, Marriott and DoubleTree by Hilton; a rising

INYAMBO, A TRADITIONAL BREED OF COW

number of smaller, boutique properties such as Heaven (heavenrwanda.com) and some top-notch restaurants and bars.

Adventurer’s paradise Beyond the city, ’The Land of a Thousand Hills’ is an adventure playground, with miles of mountain-biking paths, including the epic Congo Nile Trail; immense Lake Kivu and croc-free rivers for canoeing (kingfisherjourneys.com); and the pending launch of paramotoring, which will offer a bird’seye view of Rwanda’s volcanic peaks (rdb.rw or email paramotoring@rdb.rw).

BOOK IT WITH... STEPPES TRAVEL A nine-day trip includes flights with RwandAir, one gorilla-trekking permit, two days' mountain biking on the Congo Nile Trail, kayaking on Lake Kivu, chimp trekking in Nyungwe, accommodation, meals, house drinks, a driver-guide and vehicle. From £5,375pp. steppestravel.com; 01285 6017 RwandAir flies from Gatwick to Kigali, via Brussels, three times a week.

Africa’s largest protected wetland, Akagera National Park (africanparks.org), has been home to the ‘Big Five’ since black rhinos and lions were reintroduced in successful conservation programmes, while Nyungwe National Park (rwandatourism. com) is a hot-spot for chimpanzee trekking.

Golden monkey trekking is a cheaper alternative to seeing gorillas in Volcanoes National Park (volcanoesnationalparkrwanda.com).

Here visitors can also hike to the grave site and former research camp of renowned

BABY GORILLA

primatologist, Dian Fossey, at Karisoke (gorillafund.org).

The Cultural Heritage Corridor includes the King’s Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum (museum.gov.rw); a historic Catholic mission, Save; and the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre (kgm.rw). Learn about traditional Rwandan life at Kinigi’s Gorilla Guardians village (cbtrwanda.org).

What’s new One&Only Resorts’ Nyungwe House, near Nyungwe National Park, will open its doors next month. Gorilla’s Nest, in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, will follow next summer (oneandonlyresorts.com).

Following the launch of Bisate Lodge near Volcanoes National Park in 2016, Wilderness Safaris will open its luxury, six-tented Magashi Camp this December in Akagera National Park (wilderness-safaris.com).

Singita Kwitonda Lodge will open in Volcanoes National Park in late 2019. da.singita.com), while Governors’ Camp’s Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge was extensively refurbished this year (governorscamp.com). 

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cruising scandinavia

voyage of discovery

As cruise passengers seek new pastures, Maria Harding discovers the uncrowded waters, contented folk and peaceful charms of Finland, Denmark and the lovely Swedish Archipelago

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N

ot a lot of people know this, but if you want a happy life you should make your way to Finland. This relatively unexplored country has beaten 155 others to be named ‘world’s happiest’ in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report 2018.

Indeed, Scandinavia as a whole scores highly in the happiness stakes, with Norway, Denmark and Iceland taking second, third and fourth place in the annual report, which measures factors like social support, health, life expectancy, social freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.

Finland scored top this year, which makes a Gulf of Finland cruise an attractive prospect. It’s the gateway to some of the most beautiful and least-trodden and cruised parts of Scandinavia.

Not surprisingly – given that its high-end passengers are always on the lookout for something new and unusual – luxury operator Silversea Cruises led the way in exploring this part of the world.

I encounter some ‘unusual’ ports on this 10-day sailing from Copenhagen to Stockholm, on the newly-revamped Silver Spirit. But where Silversea is going others are following, including Saga Cruises and the more affordable Fred Olsen Cruises brand.

Great Dane My first port of call after leaving Copenhagen is Rønne, on the Danish island of Bornholm – very much a place for lovers of the great outdoors, with miles of woodland hiking trails, spectacular cliffs and white-sand beaches.

Ronne itself is a pretty medieval town

Left: Sunset near Turku, Gulf of Finland. Above: Borgholm Church on the Swedish island of Öland

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cruising scandinavia

called raukar which date back more than 400 million years.

Many Gotlanders earn their living as sheep farmers and their curly-horned woolly charges are celebrated in life-size statues along the waterfront. Horticulturalists will also be fascinated by its flora: the island is home to 35 varieties of wild orchid.

Finland and Santa

“Turku is the gateway to spectacular Ruissalo National Park, where you can hike along forested lakeside trails and watch small boats at play on the sparkling waters”

Clockwise from top left: Cycling around Gotland, Sweden; the pretty Finnish resort of Rauma; a Gotland windmill; Turku Castle.

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Rønne on the Danish island of Bornholm; Medieval Visby on Gotland; Gotland’s limestone coast; a welcoming elf in Rauma

of cobbled streets and gaily painted halftimbered houses. You’ll find it steeped in Bornholm’s rich maritime history as a Baltic trading port and thriving fishing community.

Step inside 700-year-old St Nikolai’s church – a five-minute drive from the cruise terminal – and you’ll see a large model of a sailing ship suspended from its arched ceiling and, above the altar, a painting of a sea-storm so realistic I can almost taste the sea salt on my lips.

Seaside Sweden Our next call, rather confusingly, is at Sweden’s Oland island, a long, thin stretch of land rich in working windmills and dominated by the imposing ruins of Borgholm Castle, which was destroyed by fire 200 years ago.

The castle is the highlight of a visit to this pretty seaside resort island with a popular sandy beach.

It’s a good place to watch the Swedes at play and has a main street lined with cafés and clothes shops. The hospitable main town welcomes tourists with a mini-train service from the port to its compact but lively downtown.

Visby, on the Swedish island of Gotland, is the country’s most popular holiday island, and it’s easy to see why. As well as broad sandy beaches it’s endowed with a long history and has its own answer to the UK’s Jurassic Coast, in the form of cliff formations

In shipping circles, Turku is best known for its highly productive shipyard. But Finland’s former capital is also the country’s oldest town – founded in the 13th century – and a delightful place to spend a day (or more).

Endowed with a 13th century castle (Turun Linna) and cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), Turku grew up around the gently flowing Aurajoki River and is a treasure trove, where I explore contemporary art galleries, mixed with students at trendy restaurants and cafés, and step back in time with a visit to the Old Apothek Museum, an historic apothecary’s house overlooking the river.

Turku is also the gateway to spectacular Ruissalo National Park, where you can hike along forested lakeside trails and watch small boats at play on the sparkling waters.

A happy place indeed! And at Christmas time Turku gets even happier, as it’s Finland’s ‘official Christmas City’. At noon each December 24 it hosts a traditional peace blessing in its town square.

The pretty Finnish resort of Rauma – the country’s third oldest town – is determined to give Turku a run for its money in the Santa stakes, as its seafront is home to ‘Santa’s workshop’. One of his helper elves – in full rig – greets us at the quayside.

Rauma itself, though something of a sleepy, one-deer town, has a quaint fairytale

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cruising scandinavia

charm, with its painted wooden houses and colourful window boxes.

At Lulea, our next port of call, we return to Sweden or, more specifically, to Swedish Lapland, a magical place where you can watch reindeer migrate, view the Northern Nights in winter and swim in early morning light during the ’white nights’ of the Arctic summer.

This quiet but surprisingly sophisticated city epitomises the Nordic values of community, playfulness and ‘culture-for-all’.

I’m particularly impressed at the adult play spaces which fill the main street, where you can loll on a giant chair covered in real grass and read a book from the free exchange point.

The Kulture Centre is worth exploring for its excellent art gallery, concert hall and very helpful tourist office.

Our last call before disembarking in Stockholm is Sundsvall. The main town of North Sweden’s Medelpad region boasts some of the country’s most beautiful national parks.

Much of that natural beauty has been imported, in the shape of gorgeous flower displays which complement Sundsvall’s broad streets and fine architecture.

Again, the Swedish sense of fun is very much in evidence, in the shape of psychedelic dragon statues on virtually every downtown corner, a legacy of the legend that ancient Sundsvall was once

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destroyed by dragon fire.

In Stockholm, our final treat is a visit to the ABBA Museum, whose motto – emblazed across its entrance, is ‘You’ll walk in and dance out’.

I think the same can be said for wonderful, wonderful Scandinavia.

Where to book it SILVERSEA CRUISES – 0207 340 0700 A 10-day sailing from Stockholm to Copenhagen aboard Silver Spirit is from £5,400pp cruise only, dropping to £4,850 if booked and paid for by October 31. It departs August 11, 2019. Calls include St. Petersburg, Visby, Tallinn and Copenhagen. silversea.com

FRED.OLSEN CRUISES – 0800 035 5130 A no-fly 11-night Scandinavian Islands cruise on Boudicca is from £1,499pp. It departs Dover September 15, 2019. Calls will include Ronne, Visby, Stockholm, Mariehamn (Finland), Copenhagen and back to Dover. fredolsencruises.com

SAGA CRUISES – 0800 505030 A 15-night Natural Scandinavia cruise on Spirit of Discovery is from £4,384pp. It departs Dover on August 17, 2019. Calls will include Stockholm and Lulea, Kemi and Pori (Finland) and Fredrikstad (Norway), before arriving back in Dover on September 1. saga.co.uk 

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“

“

No company has more first-hand knowledge of its subject than Journey Latin America.

Condé Nast Traveller

Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador

As the UK’s No1 specialist in travel to Latin America, we’ve been creating award-winning holidays to every corner of the region for almost 40 years.

We are thrilled to have been nominated as a finalist in the Selling Travel Agents Choice Awards 2018 for Best Tour Operator to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Every vote counts so please help us win by visiting sellingtravel.co.uk IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

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how to sell

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Ecuador The timeless appeal of the Galapagos Islands, featuring on a new Ewan McGregor TV show and a new app for tourists, Ecuador has a lot going for it right now, says Adam Coulter Why sell it now?

Ecuador is one of those lesser-understood but up-and-coming destinations that remains mostly 'unknown'. Tiny relative to its neighbours Peru and Colombia, Ecuador packs a lot into a small space – you can visit colonial towns, authentic markets, historic haciendas, a unique cloudforest, the Amazon rainforest and, of course, the iconic Galapagos Islands in one country.

Ecuador will feature in a new TV series – Long Way Up – with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, so expect a spike in interest when it airs later this year.

Who to sell to?

The extraordinary variety of endemic wildlife in the rain forest makes a visit to Mindo a must for nature lovers.

For many the Galapagos is a once-ina-lifetime destination, which makes the islands a very easy sell, despite their relative priciness compared to mainland Ecuador. The Galapagos is also a surprisingly good option for families – as anyone who watched Monty Halls’ My Family and the Galapagos series on Channel 4 now knows.

Being able to get up close and personal with wildlife is a huge draw for parents with young kids. And for scuba divers the The Galapagos offers fabulous diving and the chance to swim with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, whale sharks, sun fish, endemic Galapagos sharks and turtles.

the swing at the end of the world at Casa del Arbol, a seismic monitoring station

What to sell?

No trip to mainland Ecuador is complete without a visit to the Mindo cloudforest and rainforest in the north of the country, which has such biodiversity that new species are still being found. There are plenty of eco-lodges to stay in, including Mashpi Lodge, which sits in the heart of the forest and offers a range of activities to get close to wildlife.

Two and a half hours' flight time from Quito, the volcanic Galapagos islands are one of the few places in the world where animals are not afraid of humans. The only way to see the islands is by boat, and there are numerous operators.

All international flights land in Quito, a well-situated city with its large and wellpreserved historic centre.

Quito was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

What’s new?

Guayaquil, a pacific port city

Hotel Illam, a new high-end boutique hotel (illaexperiencehotel.com), has opened in a former colonial mansion in San Marcos, Quito. The neighbourhood is famous for its writers, artists and musicians.

Lindblad Expeditions is sailing a series of one-week Galapagos cruises in 2018 and 2019 while Ecuador specialist Metropolitan

sellingtravel.co.uk

Touring (metropolitan-touring.com) has refurbished its 40-passenger Galapagos yacht, Isabela II. Quito Tourism (quitotravel.ec) has launched an app which acts as a virtual guide, offering information about key tourism attractions and must-see city sights.

When to sell it?

Right on the Equator, Ecuador is warm yearround. However, it does have two distinct seasons – the dry season, which runs from June to September, and the wet season from October to May. The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is December to May, when temperatures range from the mid-20s to early-30s, making it easier for hiking, trekking and wildlife spotting.

The temperature in Quito, in the foothills, has a year-round average of 13C. 

Book it with... Chimu AdveNtures A 10-day tour starts in Quito before heading south to Cotopaxi National Park, for Cotopaxi Volcano. From there, visitors will pass through Quilotoa, take a ride on the 'Devil’s Nose' train in Alausi, before finishing up with two days in Cuenca and Cajas National Park. It is priced from £1,870pp (not flights).

020 7403 8265; chimuadventures.com

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new zealand

the explorer’s

choice

GRAEME MURRAY

New Zealand’s ‘Middle Earth’ has become well known the world over but, 250 years after Captain Cook’s arrival, there are still pockets of the country waiting to be discovered, says Lisa Young

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new zealand

75

S

Step back 250 years

CHRIS MCLENNAN

Next year New Zealand marks the 250th

dormant volcano, you can slip into steaming hot thermal water for a soak. Back on board, a skipper prepares a succulent barbecue lunch accompanied by fine wines.

Wai-O-Tapu: South of Lake Tarawera, this geothermal wonderland’s name means Sacred Waters.

It’s covered with hissing fumaroles that create an eerie setting. Boiling mud pools bubble away and the famous 20-metre Lady Knox Geyser erupts at around 10am daily, blasting water 20 metres into the air.

Architecture and wine: Destroyed in an earthquake and then rebuilt, Napier is known as one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. A 20-minute drive away is Hawke’s Bay, known as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’ for its pretty rolling hills and award-winning vineyards.

MILES HOLDEN

training under the weight of its anniversary of Captain James Cook making load, the locomotive clicketylandfall in New Zealand. The English clacks joyfully along, switching explorer and navigator compiled the first back and forth up steep grades as it map of the coastline, cataloguing the unique passes dense pine trees,clay pits and animals and plants and, most significantly, an old gold mine, through tunnels and meeting the Māori people. along viaducts. At the top the aptlyTo mark the occasion, New Zealand named Eyefull Tower viewpoint affords specialist Silver Fern Holidays has a new spectacular views of Captain Cookthe island-studded themed trip for “The 250th anniversary Hauraki Gulf.

2019. of Captain Cook’s first This large The Discover voyage will boost North mountain, rich in Captain Cook’s New yellow terracotta Zealand itinerary Island tourism in 2019, clay, looms over the especially in the East Cape, is a 29-day selfquaint Coromandel drive tour priced which deserves to be Township, which from £4,299pp. It better known” is named after the features key Cook John Lightwood, Managing Director, Silver Fern Holidays peninsula it sits on. locations: Gisborne, The Driving Creek the Bay of Plenty, Narrow-Gauge Railway is a toy train on a the Coromandel Peninsula and the 2.6-kilometre track and the only one of its Marlborough Sounds, with New Zealand’s kind in New Zealand. Its architect Barry must-see sights including Rotorua and the Brickell, the country’s first full-time potter, Southern Alps. was inspired by trains he’d seen in Peru and built his own to transport heavy loads of Top experiences precious clay down the mountain. It took Auckland: New Zealand’s largest 32 years to complete and now transports urban area is constructed on not one passengers too. but 50 volcanoes, and is regularly in the top Visitors often bypass the Coromandel 10 most-liveable cities in the world. Rich in Peninsula but it’s just a two-hour drive from art, culture and sport, the city’s magnificent Auckland, a finger jutting out north and museum holds daily cultural shows separating the Hauraki Gulf from the Pacific. depicting traditional Māori legends through The rocky western coastline is sprinkled song and dance. with small islands. In contrast, the east coast Tarawera Landing: Board a luxury has long empty beaches, volcanic pinnacles, yacht and cruise the pristine clear vast forests, rolling hills and farmland waters of Lake Tarawera near Rotorua. At cloaked in every possible shade of green. the base of Mt Tarawera, an enormous

Opposite page: Cathedral Cove on The Coromandel. This page, from top: bungy jumping in Queenstown; exploring Glenorchy; Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua; Auckland and the Sky Tower

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new zealand

MARK SMITH

FRASER CLEMENTS

76

From top: Milford Sound; Te Puia; geotheramal activity in Rotorua; the author on the film set in Hobbiton, Hinuera

Golden Bay: At the top of the South cuisine. It can take up to 20 people per Island, a three-hour drive from cruise. Day trips like crayfish lunch cruises Nelson, Golden Bay, is dotted with small are available. towns and remote beaches. The 82km-long Trade: Tourism New Zealand has Heaphy Track passes here and is considered appointed Dani Benjamin as its new Trade to be one of New Zealand’s great walks. Top Marketing Manager for Europe, based in sights include Farewell Spit, a 35-kilometre London. sand bar that runs from Cape Farewell, and Wharariki Beach, with its vast sea-worn Tourism talk archway, huge accessible caves and “Encouraging our visitors out of the deserted beach with frolicking fur seals. country’s gateways and into our Queenstown: On the north shore of regions to see more hidden gems is a Lake Wakatipu focus of ours this year and backed by the - like the Bay of Islands “New Zealand offers Remarkables with its ancient Kauri spectacularly beautiful Mountain Range forests, white- sand landscapes, a fascinating (Tolkien’s Misty beaches and unique heritage of Maori culture, accommodation.

Mountains in The Lord world-class sporting of the Rings) the town Or the West Coast’s is dubbed ‘Adventure Paparoa Track, a events and a passion for Capital of New multi-day hike through food and wine” Zealand’ for its huge alpine tops and Helen Mather, Inspired by Australasia range of activities like thriving rainforests, bungy jumping, jet boating and skiing. Just set to join our list of Great Walks in 2019. north, Glenorchy is a jumping-off point for In the UK we’ve launched new trade training horse treks into ‘Middle Earth’ with guides tools – five bite-sized videos. Succinct and who worked on the films. engaging, they are perfect for time-pressed agents and cover topics like overcoming What’s new barriers to book, New Zealand’s seasons and Flights: Emirates launches its Edinburgh to how to travel around.”

Auckland service via Dubai on October 1.

Pip Casey, Regional Manager UK & Europe Accommodation: IHG’s Hotel Indigo Tourism New Zealand brand is expected to open its first Auckland property in 2021. Set In one of the tallest Where to book it buildings in the city, it will feature 225 INSPIRED BY AUSTRALASIA – rooms close to the trendy Auckland Central 01423 565111 neighbourhood, known for its fashion A tailor-made 20-day Best of New Zealand stores, boutiques and oyster bars. self-drive itinerary costs from £3629pp, Cowshed 488 (cowshed488.com) is a new based on two sharing. The deal includes luxury villa on the west coast of the South flights, fully-inclusive car hire and Island. Originally a run-down farmhouse, accommodation, for travel in March 2019. its homeowners have lovingly renovated it inspiredbyaustralasia.co.uk� into a boutique three-bedroom guest house which sits on a dairy farm opposite the Paparoa mountains.

Experiences: The Nevis Catapult (bungy. co.nz) is the latest invention from the AJ Hackett team. It vaults thrill-seekers 150 metres across a valley at almost 100km an hour and is the world’s biggest and most extreme catapult.

Luxury cruise operator, Fiordland Discovery (fiordlanddiscovery.co.nz) offers Milford Sound and Fiordland trips aboard the Fiordland Jewel, a custom-built 24-metre catamaran featuring a helipad, hot tub, private king suites and chef-prepared

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Discover a better way to fly

New Zealand via Los Angeles

With our flagship route to New Zealand departing daily, your clients will enjoy our award-winning service all the way from London Heathrow through to Auckland, with just a pause for breath in LA. It’s really easy too! A quick two-hour transit before boarding the same plane down to New Zealand. Don’t forget, our recently refurbished aircraft means even better seats and entertainment screens in every cabin.

If they fancy some time in the City of Angels - maybe for some star-spotting, retail therapy or time at the beach - it’s completely free, just like all of the stopovers on our various routes to New Zealand.

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9/27/18 11:42 AM 26/09/2018 16:14

traveluni.com

GDS | TRAINING | REWARDS

Training, competitions, events October 2018

THIS MONTH'S TOP STORIES

Desert upgrade NEWS

Quick Quiz Are you a Saint Lucia Expert?

1. U.S. Dollars are accepted in Saint Lucia.

TRUE / FALSE

Hot Incentive

Step on to the Veranda

2. Virgin, BA, Thomas Cook and TUI all offer direct services to Saint Lucia.

TRUE / FALSE

INCENTIVE

BUTLIN'S is offering agents the chance to earn a £5 Love2Shop voucher with every Butlin's half-term booking made between now and October 28.

Bookings must be for arrivals between October 19 and November 2. Agents logging bookings can also win one of 10 Billy Bear-themed goodies every week. Bookings need to be registered with bourneleisuresales. co.uk. The winners will be announced on Bourne Leisure's Brainz Agent Hub Facebook page each week. bourneexpert.co.uk

stluciaexpert.co.uk

Answers: 1: True 2: True

vhrtraining.com

Butlin's incentive 

Veranda and Heritage Training I Modules: 7 VERANDA Resorts and Air Mauritius have teamed up to offer agents the chance to win a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Mauritius. The prize includes return flights on Air Mauritius and a privilege room at the brand-new Veranda Tamarin Hotel.

Each time agents book a direct flight from Heathrow to the Indian Ocean destination and/ or the hotel, they will be entered into the competition. The more flight bookings made the more chances to win.

Agents can also gain entry to the competition by completing the Veranda Heritage Resorts online training programme.

The incentive runs from October 1 until November 18.

BEACHGOERS and campers heading to Qatar's Khor Al-Adaid, or inland sea, this winter can expect enhanced camping, beach and desert experiences in the region. Sealine Beach will welcome major developments including shaded areas, cafes and restaurants as well as family zones. A special area in the sand dunes will be designated for quad biking to protect indigenous flora and fauna and avoid disturbing campers. Enhance your Qatar knowledge at tawashqatar.com

traveluni.com

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Training courses to help travel agents and advisers sell more!

Simon says...

COURSE LIST

INCENTIVE

TRAVEL agents can make themselves an expert on shopping in the U.S.A. by undertaking Simon Shopping's online training. The retail brand has premier shopping, dining and entertainment venues in 37 states and the course is designed to immerse agents in the world of Simon Shopping and learn about its destinations, to better assist their shopaholic clients.

To celebrate the new course, Simon Shopping has 50 limitededition gym towels to give away to agents completing the course. To be entered in the prize draw agents must complete the course

by October 31.



simonshoppingacademy.com

Hot News

Changing rooms in Macao

Macao Specialist I Modules: 4

Foodie prizes INCENTIVE

AGENTS completing the Experience Jerusalem training programme this month will have the opportunity to win lots of brilliant prizes. Upon completion of the three modules, agents can land a £200 voucher for The Palomar restaurant in London. Other prizes include a Jerusalem and Middle East-inspired cooking hamper from celeb chef Yotam Ottolenghi, plus a signed copy of his Jerusalem cookbook. For runners-up there's a selection of cookbooks including The Palomar, Jerusalem and NOPI and the chance to win a bottle of Israeli wine. Log on to the training website to find out more.



experiencejerusalem.co.uk

Working in partnership

MACAO welcomed numerous changes and openings over this past summer. The world's first ever free-form exoskeleton high-rise structure, Morpheus, has opened its doors as a five-star hotel. Other new hotel developments include The 13 and the Grand Lisboa Palace. Cathay Pacific launched a non-stop service between Dublin and Hong Kong, Macao's closest neighbour, over the summer. This is the first ever direct route from Dublin Airport to the AsiaPacific region. Finally, new interactive walking routes have been introduced in Taipa Village to highlight the different offerings there.

Keep an eye out for Selling Travel's 2018/19 Macao Guide, out at the end of this month.

A-Z of available courses ABTA Alaska Amtrak Vacations Anguilla Antigua & Barbuda Aruba Beaches Resorts Boucan Hotel Chocolat Bourne Leisure Butlins Caribbean Tourism Centara Hotels Cirque de Soleile Corsican | Sardinian Places Cruise Adviser Elegant Hotels Essential Detail Fiji Flanders Fort Myers & Sanibel Gambia Goa Experience GDS Haven Hotels Hawaii Heritage Resort Jamaica Jerusalem Jewel Resorts Jumeirah Hotels Kenya Las Vegas Macao Malaysia Melia Hotels New York city New York state Namibia Newmarket Holidays Ontario Qatar Railbookers SAGA Saint Lucia Sandals Resorts Serenity Holidays Seychelles Simon Malls Solus St Kitts Tenerife Thailand TIPTO Travel2 Turks & Caicos US Airtours Veranda Resorts Virgin Limited Edition Voyages SNCF Warner Leisure Hotels Windjammer Landing Hotel Your Car Hire traveluni.com

macaospecialist.co.uk powered by

Travel uni.indd 25

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80

my trip to... Australia

red centre rail to the

Lisa Young boards The Ghan Expedition for an iconic train journey through the guts of Australia

A

irm jolt and The Ghan’s bold red engine begins to haul its snakelike body away from the platform.

I’m at the start of The Ghan Expedition – an extended version of the original three-day Ghan service from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Adelaide in South Australia. I’m venturing into the outback, along the spine of the country to places of incredible natural beauty and Aboriginal cultural importance which most travellers, even Aussies, never lay their eyes on.

This epic three-night, four-day journey is one of the world’s iconic rail routes. It rolls along 2,979km of track, cutting through the middle of Australia. There’s no television and no wifi for now, although I may be able to pick it up in some stations.

I’ve had two days exploring Darwin, the Northern Territory’s capital, a city full of inner city parks, significant indigenous sites and fine beaches.

I visited Litchfield National Park, swam in freshwater holes, learned about traditional outback living with Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours, joined Sail Darwin for a tropical sunset cruise and, on the less relaxing Spectacular

Jumping Crocodile Cruise, watched huge ‘salties’ launch their pre-historic bodies vertically out of the water.

But now I’m heading into the real outback; the remote outback where there is no one for hundreds of miles. We pick up speed, the carriages rocking, and soon Darwin is left behind in the dust.

I’ll be travelling north to south at an average speed of 115km an hour, stopping at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy on this 914-metre 38-carriage train which uses two locomotives to haul 49 crew and a maximum of 300 guests across the desert.

The Ghan is so long that I spot one of the chefs cycling along the platform to get from one end to the other.

The experience attracts an eclectic crowd of all ages, although the average age is around 65–75. On my train there are returning hard-core train travellers, first-timers, honeymooners and couples celebrating various anniversaries.

The Ghan was named for the

pioneering cameleers – many of whom were from Afghanistan – who helped open up inhospitable inland Australia to settlers.

The first Ghan departed Adelaide in 1929 and chugged its way to Alice Springs. It wasn’t until 2004 that a modern track stretched all the way to Darwin.

Rock on

Our first stop is Katherine, 300km south of Darwin. Daily excursions are included in The Ghan Expedition price, except for expensive scenic flights and helicopter tours. With around 280 passengers on board there’s quite a lot of organisation involved in ferrying passengers around, but it’s a well-oiled machine.

I head to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, to gaze at a rugged and ancient landscape and Aboriginal rock art from those who occupied this harsh land

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my trip to... Australia

long before the European settlers. There are treks to iconic gorges and even an outback horse training experience on offer too.

Back onboard the vibe is relaxed and casual. Passengers generally don’t dress up for dinner – this is no Orient Express!

My Gold Class cabin is starting to show its age but is comfortable, although with two sharing I imagine it would be a little tight.

There’s a fold-down table and a small bathroom with a walk-in shower. After dinner, personal cabin stewards transform the small space into a cosy bedroom with crisp white linens and plump pillows.

I am spending most of my time in the lounge car, listening to outback stories from the barman, enjoying the all-inclusive drinks, including Champagne, and watching the russet-coloured sand whisk by.

Throughout the night we travel 1,183km, the carriages rocking steadily, rivets

Left: The Ghan in action. This page, clockwise from top left: Adelaide’s riverfront; the Red Centre; dining at the Telegraph in Alice Springs

squeaking and wheels passing over hot steel all the way to Alice Springs at Australia’s heart.

I take a scenic flight over 450-kilometres of harsh Outback terrain to the remarkable sandstone monolith of Uluru. Later, an off-train evening BBQ is prepared at an old telegraph relay station and museum.

Going underground

On day three we cross into South Australia. Temperatures here in summer can reach 50°C in the shade and as we pull into a siding at Manguri station I’m aware we’re surrounded by sun-baked emptiness.

Around 40km south is Coober Pedy, a small and quirky opal-mining town full of fortune seekers.

To escape the scorching temperatures homes were built underground and some still live in these giant rabbit burrows, which are a cool 20°C. We drive along the Dingo Fence which was built in the 1800s to stop them entering the fertile sheep-farming areas of Australia. At 3,488-miles-long, it surpasses the length of the Great Wall of China and stops about 95% of the wild dogs in their tracks.

I step off The Ghan in Adelaide with a sense of achievement and wonder and it feel like I am back in the ‘real world’.

I stroll past the cafes of Gouger Street, along the green banks of the River Torrens, browse the colourful Central Market and Art Gallery of South Australia, ride a vintage tram to the beach at Glenelg and take a trip to the vineyards of the rolling Adelaide Hills.

Suddenly, the barren outback is but a vivid memory. 

81

Top tips In a nutshell “The Ghan takes guests on an awesome journey through Australia’s vast and empty outback, following in the footsteps of the early explorers.”

David Wallis, Managing Director Freedom Destinations From luxury to walkabout “Guests enjoy a three-course dinner with white tablecloths and Champagne by night, and the next day step off into the Red Centre and get sand on their boots.”

Marie Fantis, Train Manager, The Ghan Expedition New product “For our April 2019 to March 2020 season we have a new portfolio of rail holiday – 21 curated itineraries that will see guests combining their rail adventure with unforgettable experiences such as swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, flying over Lake Eyre, admiring Kakadu’s waterfalls and wining and dining on Kangaroo Island.”

Richard Howarth, UK Travel and Trade Representative, Great Southern Rail

Where to book it

Great Southern Rail’s four-day, three-night Darwin to Adelaide Ghan Expedition (September 1 to October 24 2018 or March 2019) costs $5,599pp in Platinum, $3,599pp for Gold (both based on sharing a twin cabin) and $3,399pp for Gold single. Flights not included. greatsouthernrail.com

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the final word

82

the quirky side of travel Tree huggers...

You've heard of digital detoxes, yoga retreats and perhaps even hygge hotels, but the latest in-vogue wellness craze is taking us back to tree-hugging basics!

'Research' has shown that 'forest bathing' – that's spending time in a natural wooded area – is beneficial for the body, mind and spirit. It decreases blood pressure, increases self-awareness and aids relaxation. And who would argue with the wisdom of the Japanese, who invented it? They call it Shinrin-Yoku – and it's available at a hipster nearby!

For example, the luxury Dolomites hotel Rosa Alpina has its own therapy that combines Shinrin-Yoku with Pranayama, or yogic breath control.

Yes, people pay for this.

TOP 6…

Booze-fuelled cities How does your office look? Research from co-working space developer Areaworks reveals people's dream office includes everything from a coffee machine (a human right, surely?) to less common features which might make your boss spit out their brew – like a beer fridge, bean bags, table tennis table, pets, hammocks and a slide.

London

Tokyo

523

875

areaworks.com

Alpha Travel Insurance has used TripAdvisor data to reveal the cities with the most bars...

955

Office politics

1327

alpina.it

Crystal clear

The Selling Travel team entered the Crystal Maze last month in a teambonding exercise which saw it ace the Aztec Zone, master the Medieval Zone and, ultimately, spend a lot of time shouting obscenities at each other through windows and running around a very sweaty warehouse in 1990s bomber jackets. Sadly, Mumsy was nowhere to be seen...

New York

Rome

130 222 Sydney

Frankfurt

THE NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE OF SELLING TRAVEL WILL FEATURE: Caribbean • Cape Verde • Guyana • Indian Ocean • Japan • Mediterranean islands • Middle East • Philippines • Portugal • Washington D.C. • River Cruise special CONTACT US sales@bmipublishing.co.uk; editorial@bmipublishing.co.uk PLUS ONLINE: Feature Library • Destination Guides • Photo Galleries • Blogs & more

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please visit our website.

Readers Offers

For up to date arrivals sign /

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holidays@touchdown.co.uk

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Book with confidence ACCREDITEDAGENT

9/26/18 12:16 PM 24/09/2018 12:36 11:41

New Travel Agents bookable website live now For the first time ever you can now book Titan holidays online.

Of course, our expert Sales and After Sales teams are still on hand 7 days a week too, but we hope this will make the process even quicker for you!

• Book 24 hours a day • Admin area to add API, check commission and reprint invoices

• A few quick steps to complete a booking • Check latest prices and availability

Claim a £20 Lifestyle e voucher plus a new limited edition Chico o the Cheetah for every ery booking made online ne*

Visit our new website and register today

www.titanagents.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply. Valid for online bookings only booked between 1 October – 31 December 2018. No cash alternatives.

Agents are responsible for their own tax implications. Please claim by emailing agentincentives@titantravel.co.uk

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