Selling Travel November/December 2023

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

WIN INSPIRING THOSE WHO LOVE TRAVEL

A H O L I DAY FO R T W O

D I S COV E R

A LU L A WIN a F holiday forS TA two I N D U S AT N Dto # AlUla V i s i t u s a t W T M - W I N a h o l i d a y fo r t w o by v i s i t i n g t h e A l U l a s t a n d a t Wo r l d Tra ve l Ma r ke t i n L o n d o n Nove m b e r 6 - 8 2 0 2 3

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VISIT ALULA AT WTM 6-8 NOVEMBER STAND #S5-514

WIN

REGISTER

A perfect AlUla itinerary - four nights

Head to AlUla’s WTM stand S5-514

and five days including economy

to meet with key product and to

flights, two nights at Banyan Tree

experience AlUla in virtual

AlUla with breakfast, two nights

reality before joining a small

at Habitas AlUla with breakfast,

reception at 12 noon on either

a Vintage Land Rover tour of

Monday 6 or Tuesday 7 to hear all

Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah,

about our latest developments.

plus a 30-minute helicopter tour

Those that join will be entered

and ground transfers in AlUla.

into the prize draw.

ALULA IS A PLACE OF EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN AND NATURAL HERITAGE We invite you to journey through a living museum of preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings and monuments, both natural and manmade, that hold 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history.

Home to Saudi’s first UNESCO Heritage Site at Hegra, the Kingdom of Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town, AlUla is a crossroads of ancient civilisations and is constantly evolving as a luxury, boutique destination.

SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

INSPIRING THOSE WHO LOVE TRAVEL

WINTER WARMERS

Give the gift of festive cheer with a European Christmas market break how to sell...

Texas Austria Winter Sports Adventure UAE

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Contents / 3

All around the world

inside this issue UAE

38

kentucky

21

Trend-watching 08 Christmas Markets: Help clients to book a festive break 12 Four-sight: Do you have any advice when booking accessible travel?

Globe-hopping 18 AlUla: History meets luxury in Arabia 21 Take Five: Kentucky Festivals 26 My Journey... Texas Hill Country

boston

22

Be inspired

christmas markets

08

34 Adventure Travel trends: Clients are looking for active holidays 38 Adventure UAE: Why this Middle East region is a hotspot for adrenaline 44 Six of the best: Adventures in Tenerife 45 Top 10: Winter Sport

ALULA

18

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Adventures

47 Spotlight on: Winter in Austria

18/09/2023 10:46

4 / Welcome

November/December

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Hartridge

Heavy Hearts

EDITOR Jessica Alexander

DIGITAL EDITOR April Waterston

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sheena Adesilu

WRITERS Charlotte Flach, Bev Fearis, Richard Williams, Siobhan Grogan, Stuart Forster, Donna Richardson, Julie Baxter & Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

PUBLISHING PUBLISHERS Steve Thompson steven.thompson@sellingtravel.co.uk Sally Parker sally.parker@sellingtravel.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER Shani Kunar

MANAGING DIRECTOR Matt Bonner

CEO Martin Steady

DESIGN & PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Caitlan Francis, Emma Norton & Stuart Crowhurst

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Clare Hunter

PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR Steve Hunter

(PRINT) ISSN 2056-9319. © BMI PUBLISHING LTD 2023.

SELLING TRAVEL IS PUBLISHED BY BMI PUBLISHING LTD: 501 THE RESIDENCE, NO. 1 ALEXANDRA TERRACE, GUILDFORD, GU1 3DA, UK. T: 020 8649 7233 E: ENQUIRIES@BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 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. WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, BMI PUBLISHING LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. This publication is printed on sustainably sourced materials

S

ince Selling Travel - which started life as Selling Long Haul - began in 1990 there have been plenty of events around the world, from natural disasters to political upheavals to regional conflicts and wars, that have been so devastating and ruinous to the lives they impacted and changed - often forever - that it made us pause to consider the value and worth of something as humble as producing a travel magazine.

Set against such momentous global events, our glossy photos Jessica Alexander EDITOR and inspirational writing - with the sole aim of helping agents recommend holiday experiences that offer their clients a short dose of escapism - might have at times seemed trivial, perhaps even a little off key and detached from the imploding 'real world'.

We find ourselves once again watching in complete disbelief at the awful events that unfolded in Israel and Gaza these past few weeks. The impact on its tourism industry is low down on Israel's priorities right now, but, sadly, a country blessed with so much to offer the visitor looks set for an extended period off the holiday plans of most.

It will return one day, but until that happens, countries such as Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and even Saudi Arabia will be hoping that their booming tourism industries are not derailed by events in their region.

Agents have a crucial role in keeping on top of events and thus informing clients about the choices they should be making in this region. The United Arab Emirates features heavily in this issue, with our feature highlighting the many adventure activities on offer there.

Meanwhile we hope to shine some light in these dark times with our festive feature on Christmas markets, whilst continuing to keep agents inspired with features on winter sports, adventure travel trends and more.

The world feels changed, and not in a good way, and our hearts go out to everyone, whatever their nationality, faith or religion, affected by those recent horrific events.

including fully recycled Revive covers which along with the text paper are both FSC certified and Carbon Balanced.

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

With this issue Selling Canada This new guide will inspire you to sell Canada in the autumn as well as other seasonal USPs.

SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

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LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND AND

G ET CL O S E R TO TH E C A R IBBE A N

YEAR-ROUND DIRECT FLIGHTS* from London twice per week

Nestled in the quiet Eastern Caribbean, tucked away on its own private cove, you’ll find the all-new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - opening Spring 2024. Your clients can venture to an island that’s brand new for Sandals, where volcanic peaks, soft sands and cascading falls punctuate the landscape. Sample cuisines from around the world at 12 mouth-watering restaurants and enjoy creatively crafted cocktails at five unique bars, all included within their stay. Retreat to a haven of private suites and overwater villas, where guests can truly immerse themselves into the island’s embrace. Your clients can be among the first to join us as we uncover the island’s gems together.

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OR SEE YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT *Flights with Virgin Atlantic include a brief stop in Barbados. Alternative flights available with British Airways, plus transit in Barbados to interCaribbean Airlines.

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Trend watching

6 / New beginnings

Croatia

Captain’s Quarters

Gianni Baumann

Situated on Čikat Bay on the Croatian island of Lošinj, the newly-opened Captain’s Villa Rouge transports travellers back to the age of naval captains and grand ocean journeys with an interior inspired by past seafarers. Originally built in 1897, the seven-suite residence reflects its maritime heritage with quirks such as navigation and control devices and historic nautical charts, alongside more modern features including an outdoor jacuzzi and sauna room, heated pool and private beach. Lošinj-hotels.com

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Trend watching New beginnings / 7

India

Spice of life

nicolas fauquÉ

rebecca conway

Tucked away in the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains in Rajasthani is farm-led Anopura. The property is home to seven new suites, each with a local private host who is on hand throughout the guest’s stay.

Hidden away from the region’s traditional tourist trail, Anopura is surrounded by a five-acre farm growing coriander, lemongrass, and chilli plants. Guests are able to partake in Rajasthani cookery classes, block painting with local women or embark on a leopard safari. anopura.com

Tunisia

Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts

Sahara nights The Residence Douz, which opened this October, is Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts’ first desert resort. Set within 14 hectares of rolling dunes, the resort comprises 50 villas, two gourmet restaurants and a Spa by Clarins. Guests are encouraged to venture outside the resort by jeep, camel or quadbike to explore villages such as Matmata, famed for its troglodyte houses which once played the home of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, to a luxury camping experience in Tembaine. cenizaro.com

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Trend watching

8 / Christmas Markets

Festive

Cheer

From the oldest Christkindlesmarkt in Germany to decorated underground caves in the Netherlands, Christmas markets provide agents with the perfect seasonal sell, says Donna Richardson

I

twirl around in a sea of festive heaven, my nostrils full of the scent of pine nuts and spiced glogg.

Thousands of lights twinkle on the towering Christmas tree as I browse stalls selling tasty treats from Scandinavian saffron buns to roasted reindeer, a festive offering from indigenous Sami Herders from Lapland.

As I stroll through Gothenburg, a Swedish medieval town, my hands are kept warm by a steaming cup of mulled wine. It is a magical setting, with 18th-century buildings

illuminated to create a ‘lane of light’.

Although busy enough, this feels much more authentic than the amusement-led markets we get in the UK and I for one am more than happy not to see a big dipper in sight!

Selling the Christmas dream Yuletide breaks contain all the ingredients to be best-sellers. They offers a welcome distraction from the long winter slog and can be tailored to suit any kind of client. Couples can sip glühwein against the backdrop of Baroque palaces or enchanting castles,

families will delight in exploring grottos and feeding reindeer and solo travellers can take in some of Europe’s most charming cities from the balcony of a luxury river cruise.

Almost all capital and major European cities now have Christmas markets that, typically, run from late November until Christmas Eve, but some run well into the new year.

From the notorious German markets of Berlin and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, to Amsterdam, Prague, Kraków, Berlin, Vienna

frankfurt in germany goes all out for Christmas

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Trend watching Christmas Markets / 9 to Montreux, Riga, Bruges, Brussels, Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Lyon, the options are many.

However, there are a number of ‘lesserknown’ markets across Europe that are attracting visitors who want all the festive fun but without the crowds.

Agia Nast, Market Manager for Estonia Tourist Board, admits that being slightly ‘off the beaten track’ has played a part in the country getting more winter bookings this year. He said: “Especially since the pandemic, people are looking for something truly authentic. The arrival of new Michelin restaurants has attracted more foodies and the highlight of seeing our wonderful markets is working in Estonia’s favour.”

Tartu Christmas market in Estonia’s second biggest city features brightly lit glass pavilions, an ice ring set up on the Town Hall Square and sleigh rides.

Perfect packages Tour operators are now well versed in offering bespoke and off-the-shelf tours to European Christmas markets. And there is growing demand for unique and off-thebeaten track options.

The JG Travel Group’s Just Go! Holidays and National Holidays offer a range of festive coach breaks. Claire Dutton, Trade Sales Manager at JG Travel Group comments: “Every year, Christmas markets present a great selling opportunity for agents as they are so popular. Many people have visited the larger, well-known markets in Europe, but we offer places such as the Dutch town of Valkenburg, where the market is situated in an ancient network

of tunnels and caves and is considered the largest and oldest underground Christmas market in Europe.”

Ashley Dellow, Leger Shearings Group’s Head of Retail Sales, agrees that an escorted tour is the best way to take in the festivities.

He says: “A Christmas markets coach trip means no fighting for a parking space or a seat on busy public transport. It’s much more special to be whisked from market to market by coach with no travel logistics to worry about.”

His top tip: “Why not turn a Christmas markets’ short break into a longer holiday, building in other attractions? Shearings’ seven-day ‘Vienna and the Steam Train to Christmas’ tour includes not only the two famous Vienna Christmas markets but also a steam train ride, a Vienna city tour and time in the Vienna woods.”

Dellow also suggests selling all-inclusive Christmas markets holidays as ”the agent receives a commission on the full price and the customer gets a great deal”.

One such option is Shearings’ sevenday ‘All-Inclusive Salzburg and Innsbruck Christmas Markets’ tour, which includes meals and drinks. Prices start from £759pp.

Due to strong demand, Jet2holidays has already put its Winter 24/25 Christmas markets programme on sale, offering seven winter wonderlands from 10 UK airports.

Steve Heapy, CEO, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “As well as seeing strong demand from customers and independent travel agents booking a Christmas market break for this winter, we know that people want to book ahead and get their holidays

locked in for next winter too.”

Classic Christmas market destinations such as Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen, Krakow, Prague and Vienna are in demand, a spokesperson from Jet2 told Selling Travel.

“Many customers are looking to enjoy a much-needed break during winter. With a Christmas market trip they can get away for just a few days, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to sprinkle some festive cheer into their Christmas.”

There’s also the option to tick off multiple Christmas markets by sailing the Rhine or the Danube on a river cruise.

“River cruises are a great way to experience a range of different markets whilst only unpacking once,” says Dutton.

“We’ve just put a new Rhine Christmas market cruise on sale for 2024 in partnership with A-ROSA that includes a coach break option from selected pick-up points around England.”

Top five Christmas markets Seventh heaven in Innsbruck: Austria’s Innsbruck has a strong Christmas market tradition and hosts seven every year. Expect a quintessential Christmas display with alpine flair and living tradition. The Old Town Christmas Market, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, is set before the famous Golden Roof and encircled by Medieval houses and a towering Christmas tree. innsbruck.info Light up in Vienna: Agents looking for a family-friendly shopping break should consider Vienna Wiener

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Trend watching

Åsa Dahlgren

10 / Christmas Markets

Prague’s Christmas market lights up the market square

Leger visits Salzburg in the snow

Holidays has a four-day Christmas markets tour taking in the Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz square in front of the town hall, which brings to life the magic of the advent. A thousand candles are lit and messages hung on the Tree of Hearts. You won’t find plastic toys here. newmarketholidays.co.uk Sky high in Switzerland: One of the most unusual Christmas markets in Europe has to be Mount Pilaus in Switzerland. Perched above Lake Lucerne and open for one weekend in advent every year, this Christmas market is Europe’s highest. Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to get to over 40 beautifully decorated market stalls before taking a sled or a snowbike down the mountain. pilatus.ch Pretty in pink in Germany: In Munich there is a pink Christmas market which is aimed at the LGBTQ+ market.

Visitors will find white tents and pink lights along with shows and stalls galore which are a hit not just with the gay community but with lots of families too. germany.travel Historic charm in Poland: The captivating Christmas market of Kraków in southern Poland is set in the largest medieval square in Europe and against the backdrop of the twin-towered basilica of St Mary’s. The city has a wellpreserved Jewish quarter and brims with

Vienna Christmas market is bursting with Christmas flavours

Couples cosy up in sweden

culture. Pick up souvenirs in Cloth Hall and admire Wawel Castle. jet2holidays.com All aboard in Germany: Ravenna in Germany is home to Hochschwarzwald’s Christmas village, tucked under the railway viaduct of the Devil’s Valley Railway in the Black Forest Highlands. A highlight is the light show that is projected on the viaduct after dark. germany.travel

What’s new

Cruise to the markets Newmarket Holidays has a six-day Rhine Christmas Markets River Cruise for December 2024, priced from £1,449pp. Starting in Cologne, the ship will sail to Strasbourg, for its 400-year-old Christmas market, before venturing to the wine producing town of Rudesheim. Clients can enjoy Mainz, known for its impressive cathedral and Gutenberg Museum, and finish in Germersheim and Speyer. newmarketholidays.co.uk.

Just Go Holidays offers a similar Rhine Christmas Markets River Cruise on the AROSA Aqua, priced from £889pp and departing on December 9 2024. With stops including Cologne, Rudesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt and Koblenz, the cruise offers a combination of well-known and lesserknown markets. justgoholidays.com/agents Emerald Cruises has an eight-day Seasonal Secrets of the Douro sailing based on

Cathedral in Mainz, Germany

a December 2 2023 departure. Guests leave the city of Porto to sail the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, where they will enjoy vineyards and townships, explore the picturesque Portuguese city of Guimarães, Régua, Pinhão and the Baroque village of Lamego. emeraldcruises.co.uk Go by Coach New holiday provider Holiday Best offers affordable breaks across Europe, including a four-star, four-night trip to Prague to visit the Christmas Markets.

The trip departs December 3, 2023 and is priced from £312pp, including flights from Heathrow. holidaybest.com Leger Holidays has a four-day Festive Ghent, Brussels & Bruges Christmas Markets, priced from £449pp. The serpentine Christmas market in Ghent stretches along the Sint-Baafsplein, with 150 wooden huts packed with enticing seasonal products. leger.co.uk

Where to book it Great Rail Journeys Great Rail Journeys’ five-day Harz Mountain Christmas Markets tour starts from £995pp, based on a December 17 2023 departure from St Pancras International. The trip includes a steam-hauled journey about the Brocken Railway, time to browse Germany’s festive markets and a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Goslar. greatrail.com. •

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POLAND.

More than you expected www.poland.travel

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Trend watching

12 / Four-sight

Access for all We asked our columnists: Following the launch of our Travel For Every Body campaign, do you have any suggestions for clients that have additional accessibility needs?

Liz arranges airport assistance

James champions ocean cruising for its accessibility

Meeting specific needs further proves our worth as travel agents It’s great that accessible travel is becoming more prominent in the industry.

Our job is to turn everyone’s holiday wishes into a reality, and meeting specific travel needs further proves our worth as travel agents.

We often have clients that require assistance at airports, so this is something we always offer at the booking stage. We’d rather clients take this option than have them struggle and feel stressed.

We haven’t, as yet, had many clients who have specific accessible travel needs, but I think most of the tour operators we use would be able to assist with this, depending on the requirements.

However, I do think the missing link is that ‘requests’ are never guaranteed, which is not sufficient when booking clients who need accessible rooms.

As we don’t arrange a lot of accessible holidays, it would be helpful to have a specialist accessible travel tour operator that we, as members of the Travel Trust Association, could book with so that we are armed with the knowledge and contacts should we have such an enquiry.

If anyone is interested in working with us on this subject, please contact me!

As a cruise agent, I have to establish early on if a client has any accessibility requirements as different cruises present different challenges.

Overall, ocean cruising – particularly UK departures – offers the best way for those with limited mobility to travel. They avoid the stress of flying, ships usually have access doors on all decks, corridors are wider and most ships have specially designed cabins with adapted bathrooms.

However, the same can’t be said for river cruise ships. A river cruise passenger generally needs to be able to manage a flight of stairs on their own; the ship gangways can be narrow, steeply inclined

Ocean cruising is best for those with limited mobility and slippery and therefore not wheelchair friendly and the ship often has to moor away from the dock due to congestion.

Lifts on river cruise ships typically access the middle and upper decks, but there are no ships (that I know of) where the lift goes up onto the sundeck.

Meanwhile, the exotic river cruise ships often use smaller dinghies for excursions.

I’m holding out hope for a river cruise ship that is fully wheelchair accessible – I know the demand is there.

THE FAMILY BUSINESS

THE CRUISE SPECIALIST

Southern Cross Travel, East Sussex

Director of GoRiverCruise Worcestershire

Anneka Desrosiers

James Hill

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Trend watching Four-sight / 13

` Don’t forget, not all disabilities are obvious ´ At most airports we can arrange ambu-lifts and adapted chairs I think it’s much easier for clients with disabilities or special needs to travel now.

We recently had a family travelling with a severely handicapped son on a cruise and they were able to hire a special bed and various aids to make him comfortable.

At most airports we can arrange ambulifts (designed for boarding passengers with reduced mobility), and can also request specially designed chairs to help travellers to the aircraft seats. There are also specially adapted vehicles available for a lot of resort transfers and assistance at the airport can be arranged much quicker and easier than years ago.

In newer build hotels there are more options for adapted rooms, although this is something that could still be improved upon. A problem we do face is waiting for answers to specific requests from hoteliers as this can often be extremely time consuming for travel agents and frustrating for clients.

From special diets and allergies, to finding out information about CPAP machines and even providing oxygen tanks on flights, we are constantly learning and assisting clients to help them continue to explore the world!

Having accessibility requirements when travelling is something I have personal experience with. My initial advice would be that if you or your clients have medical issues or additional needs this shouldn’t prevent travel plans. There is so much more awareness and assistance within this sector now and the travel industry is really putting accessibility at the forefront.

I was in Las Vegas recently when walking became a problem due to a back injury.

A mobility scooter was quickly suggested and it arrived within an hour! It was fantastic and actually enhanced my trip – I kept being told to slow down!

I also had a pacemaker fitted a few years ago which prompted me to get a wheelchair at the airport. It was so easy going through security and just prevents any additional stress. I’ve just had the pacemaker upgraded and it won’t stop me travelling; in fact, I hope to travel more!

It’s a great idea to take some training on accessible travel and gives you a great USP when talking to clients. You could also put a poster in your shop window advertising that you book accessible holidays. And don’t forget, not all disabilities are obvious.

Taking a course on accessible travel gives you a great USP

THE HIGH STREET AGENCY

Liz Beaty

THE HOME WORKER

Sandy Murray

The Travel Team Brampton, Cumbria

Sandy's Travel Escapes

Destinations are making accessibility a priority

Sandy was able to zip around Vegas on a mobility scooter Next issue: What is trending for travel in 2024?

Do you have any selling targets for the New Year?

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Trend watching

14 / Travel talk

“We know at some point the Cost of Living crisis will start to bite, so we need to be prepared for that” Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer, Advantage Travel Partnership Most of our members would say that they have surpassed their 2019 levels and are in recovery. From a booking point of view, I think it’s very positive. What we have to remember is that they’re still servicing a lot of debt, so there’s still those lows that are hanging around.

Agents also have increased costs that they must manage, so what we try to do is look at the overall picture for members and not just talk about bookings.

We know at some point that the Cost of Living crisis will start to bite, so we need to be prepared for that. We are looking at how we can arm members with everything they need to be able to maximise the volume now, while also preparing themselves if it does slow down.

Outbound on the up Our CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said being on the Tourism Industry Council (TIC) Board really gives us a voice to talk about outbound travel, and in particular, travel agents and how they add value. It gives us a senior level voice at government. She’s able to

talk about the value the outbound travel industry brings, and more specifically, travel agents and their role in helping consumers to travel safely.

The data reveals that consumers are looking to book holidays abroad in 2024 and that they are managing their budgets by booking early and opting for all-inclusive stays. This shows that holidays really are a necessity and something people prioritise.

It’s interesting to see that British travellers are looking at alternatives to the traditional destinations and times they would normally travel to avoid disruption and are being more adventurous with their holidays.

“Next year will be a big year for us. We’ll be opening almost 2,000 new rooms ” Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board In 2022 Jamaica was the number one Caribbean destination for UK travellers, making us the poster child for the Caribbean.

Now that we have this recognition, we want to get to a place where Jamaica is incontestable. We have an ambition to hit 300,000 travellers from the UK by the end of next year. It’s an aggressive target, but we have the capacity to do it.

Next year we will also host the Caribbean Marketplace from May 20-22, which is the

single largest trade marketplace in the Caribbean. We get to welcome not just every destination in the Caribbean, but also all of our business partners both locally and internationally. Every year Caribbean Marketplace is an experience, so we want the Jamaican experience to be one that delegates have never seen or felt before. We would like to create a scenario where every delegate is involved in a community activity.

Looking ahead Norse Atlantic Airways is due to begin flying between London Gatwick to Kingston and Montego Bay this December. Flights to

Montego Bay will operate four times a week, while flights to Kingston will operate three times a week. This will be the fourth carrier to offer flights between the UK and Jamaica.

Next year will be a big year for us. We’ll be opening almost 2,000 new rooms with properties including Princess in February and Riu Palace Aquarelle. Later we anticipate the opening of UNICO Montego Bay, which is part of the Hard Rock group.

We’re also very excited about the Bob Marley: One Love film which will be in cinemas early next year. It will be a special moment for the Marley family but also by extension for Jamaica. •

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Globe hopping

16 / Accessible Travel

Accessibility

On the right track?

The rail sector is currently experiencing something of a revival across Europe and beyond, and this popularity is helping to drive investment in accessible rolling stock across the international network. Understanding what is on offer is one way agents can help disabled travellers fulfil some of their holiday ambitions.

Rail Europe has been working with travel professionals to support rail bookings for over 90 years and sells around 2.5m train tickets a year. It partners with operators such as SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Thalys, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, ÖBB, SNCB, NS, OUIGO Spain and National Rail, and offers rail passes including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes. Trisha Aswani, at Rail Europe, said: “Most modern European trains now have designated spaces for wheelchair users set near wheelchair-accessible toilets, and often alongside a “companion” seat too.”

Frustratingly though, she adds, standards vary from operator to operator and some rail operator online booking systems don’t incorporate wheelchair reservations so require a little extra work to secure.

All aboard...

online

SBB in Switzerland is among those which has made a lot of adjustments to trains, stations and passenger information. For example, there are low-floor carriages on all regional service routes, and an increasing amount of

n co

stations are now 100% accessible, with stepfree access to the trains.

Eurostar, connecting London with Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and beyond, has put much of its focus on providing added assistance. Eurostar Assist is a free service which can be booked in advance to provide smooth access to the train for those who are elderly or travelling with a physical or nonvisible disability. Each departure has at least four wheelchair spaces, accessed via a ramp and located near the accessible toilets.

There are similar wheelchair spaces on Thalys trains from Brussels to Amsterdam and Cologne, and on TGVs from Lille to destinations all over France, and from Paris to Switzerland & Milan.

Sleep easy...

In the UK, Caledonian Sleeper has added dedicated accessibility cabins on its London to Scotland route, with double beds, lowered washbasin and table, and wheelchair access to the Club Car and accessible toilet.

Assistance dogs are welcome and digital signage appears in every carriage.

Further afield, The Ghan train in Australia offers Gold Access Cabins for the mobility impaired. Each has an adjustable table, two seats that convert to low level berths, and an ensuite with hand rails and shower chair.

Amtrak in the USA has accessible bedrooms located on the entry-level of the trains with ample space for a wheelchair, plus a sofa and bunks, sink and toilet.

ACCESSIBILITY IN ACTION A good sign: TUI has become the first UK tour operator to offer British Sign Language interpretation. In partnership with SignLive, customers can now have their conversations with TUI Accessibility teams interpreted into BSL free in real time via signlive.co.uk.

Heritage tours: Access For All UK has supported the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) with free mentoring and training for a project to bring four accessible carriages on track. This is part of a long-term initiative to make the heritage railway accessible to all.

“DISABLED PEOPLE NEED TO BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT THEY ARE SIGNING UP FOR AT THE OUTSET. TOO OFTEN IN TRAVEL THERE IS NOT

More to do...

ENOUGH INFORMATION ON

While rail travel is getting easier, Disability Rights UK’s Anna Morell campaigns for more to be done across the travel industry.

She says: “There are professional access consultants all over the country, as well as disabled people’s organisations, and singleissue condition organisations which travel industry operators could approach for staff training and more information. Without tapping into the disabled consumer market, the travel industry is losing out on a sector that is worth £274 billion.”

WHAT ACCESSIBILITY LOOKS LIKE AND THE WAY DISABLED PEOPLE ARE SPOKEN TO OFTEN SHOWS A COMPLETE LACK OF UNDERSTANDING AND TRAINING ON OUR NEEDS” Anna Morell Disability Rights UK

tent

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Top New openings for Kerzner One&only Kea island, greece: Due to open in April 2024, this all-villa retreat sits in the white and blue-hued Cyclades, southeast of mainland Greece. Each villa comes with a private pool, terrace, courtyard and fireplace and most sport panoramic, almost 360-degree views of the sparkling sea.

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One&Only Aesthesis, Greece: Set within 21 hectares of protected forest reserve, and a short drive from the ancient wonders of Athens, One&Only Aesthesis is due to open this November. Its seafront location on the Athenian Riviera boasts uncrowded beaches and superb sailing.

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Bab Al shams, dubai: This desert resort 45 minutes from downtown Dubai transports guests to an Arabian oasis. Guests can relax poolside or embark on desert adventures, from soaring high on a hot-air balloon to galloping through the dunes on Arabian horses, to dining under the stars.

One&Only za’abeel, dubai: The first vertical resort for the brand, One&Only One Za’abeel will open this December in the bustling Za’abeel neighbourhood. The resort will feature The Link – the world’s longest cantilever - home to Michelin-rated chefs, a destination bar and a rooftop infinity pool.

Atlantis the royal, Dubai: Soaring 43 storeys high with views of the Arabian Sea and Palm Island, Atlantis The Royal is Dubai’s newest icon. Described as an ‘ultra-luxury experiential resort’ the property has 17 restaurants, eight helmed by celebrity chefs and the regions first fire and water show.

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18 / AlUla

Arabia’s hidden

gem

Displaying over 200,000 years of ancient human history, AlUla in Saudi Arabia is an outdoor museum waiting to be explored, says Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

hegra heritage site

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traditional mudbrick streets of Alula Old Town

aving lived for many years across the Middle East, I had occasionally caught glimpses of the monolithic tomb in the middle of the desert of Saudi Arabia. Pictures from a colleague who had visited the country on business, or an early social media post from an expat friend living in Jeddah, who undertook a long road trip through the desert to visit Hegra.

It was like a mirage, I knew it was there, but it seemed unreachable.

Seeing the site climbed ever higher on my to-do list, until, finally, Saudi Arabia introduced the e-visa in 2019 and welcomed people who wanted to enter for the sole reason of having a look at the amazing historic sites dotted across the kingdom.

And my first sighting of the real thing was truly worth the wait. There it stood: A tall, lone rock in the desert, with an incredibly intricate tomb carved into its entirety. The workmanship, the scale, and the beauty of it is similar to Petra in Jordan, the other famous settlement of the Nabataean Kingdom, which thrived in this region more than 2,000 years ago. And although I had always expected it to be a tomb standing all on its own, far away from anywhere, that is only partially true, as there are some 110 other tombs carved into the rock

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formations nearby. So much the better.

Despite having been a meeting point of merchants, pilgrims, and kingdoms for the last few thousand years, AlUla, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has maintained its wild and seemingly unexplored scenery.

The landscape, however, is dotted with history, incredible history that has not been open to the public until recently.

While the Nabataean tombs are probably the most famous sights, there is also the ancient kingdom of Dadan, where the tombs are cut into the dark red cliff face.

There’s also Jabal Ikmah, AlUla’s ‘open air library’ – a mountain featuring ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs telling of many more cultures living in this oasis that once welcomed caravans of merchants following ancient trading routes, such as the Incense Road. AlUla provides a glimpse into long-lost civilizations, but with a nod toward luxurious stays, good food, and modern conveniences.

Forward thinking As a newly opened tourism destination, AlUla has the opportunity to develop its infrastructure and offerings with sustainable first principles. It is a destination for those looking for a boutique and luxury experience. Beautiful properties

such as the ultra luxury Banyan Tree AlUla, and Habitas AlUla, blend into the landscape of the Ashar Valley.

A new Chedi will open in early 2024 at Hegra, and a small deluxe eco hotel, Dar Tantora, crafted from some of the traditional mudbrick housing in AlUla Old Town. Other leading luxury brands including Aman will be opening in AlUla 2025/26. If your customers want to experience the outdoors then there are camping options with local tour operators such as Husaak Adventures, and Habitas also operates a number of retro Airstream RVs. All accommodation is being built with sustainability in mind and reducing tourism’s footprint.

Catherine Cone, Director of Environment and Sustainability for the Royal Commission for AlUla says: ”The sustainability roadmap for AlUla has four starting points: efficient water management; protection of biodiversity; carbon neutrality by 2035 (excluding air travel and food imports); and promotion of a circular economy through measures such as recycling and reduced waste generation.”

Extensive training material is available at alulaspecialist.com, covering historic sights, accommodations, sustainability, experiences, and AlUla’s ongoing and

annual events, including music and arts festival Winter at Tantora, AlUla Skies Festival and Ancient Kingdom Festival, marking Hegra’s 15th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This onestop shop for travel agents includes three training modules, a series of seven new short training videos, as well as imagery, agent perks, a directory of product suppliers and more.

What’s new

Autograph Collection:

The Marriott Autograph Collection will be opening a property in AlUla by 2025. The hotel will be in central AlUla, and extend over 22,635 square metres. Some 250 rooms and suites, four dining venues, a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, meeting facilities and retail space are planned. autograph-hotels.marriott.com Chedi Hegra and Dar Tantora: AlUla will shortly welcome two new hotels, Dar Tantora and Chedi Hegra.

Dar Tantora is an upscale eco-lodge launched by The House Hotel in historic AlUla Old Town, and Chedi Hegra will be the first hotel located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. Both hotels plan to open late 2023/early 2024. experiencealula.com sponsored feature

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20 / AlUla

Take to the skies to soar high above ancient rock formations

merchants still trade spices

Futuristic Stays: The Mexican luxury eco resort AZULIK will be opening a sustainable resort featuring 76 villas near the Nabataean Horizon District and the AlMuatadil Equestrian Village by 2027. azulik.com E-Visas expanded: Promoting tourism, the availability of fast e-visas, valid for a year of repeat visits of up to 90-days each, has been expanded to eight more nationalities, including UK and European Union residents and Schengen visa holders. visa.visitsaudi.com

Top experiences Nabataean Legacy: While there are over 110 Nabataean tombs at Hegra, the monolithic ‘Tomb of Lihyan, son of Kuza’ is the most iconic sight appealing to clients.

A tour in a Vintage Land Rover, which can seat up to seven guests, includes a number of tombs incuding the Tomb of Lihyan, Jabal AlBanat and Jabal Ahmar together with the traditonal meeting area of the Diwan and the Siq. Price per Land Rover, from £150.

Old Town Tour: Get a glimpse into AlUla’s not-so-distant past on the Old Town Tour. A Rawi (guide) will lead you

AlUla’s verdant Oasis Heritage trail

through AlUla’s Old Town, where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers congregated through the ages. Inhabited from before the 12th century up until the early 1980’s, Old Town offers researchers unique oral histories and living memory that other heritage sites cannot. Until March 2024, there are three tours a day on weekdays, and four tours a day on weekends. Priced from £15pp.

Maraya: No venue is more unique than Maraya. AlUla’s masterpiece sets a world record for being the largest mirrored building. Sitting in the Ashar Valley, the mirage-like building rises from the desert, reflecting the beauty of its natural surroundings. Inside, the venue is a cultural hub hosting huge concerts and classical performances, art residency programmes and arthouse films.

Reach for the stars: It is the rocky desert landscape and remoteness around AlUla that ensures that light pollution is extremely low, making it a perfect location for stargazing. Book an evening stargazing tour in the secluded Gharameel area. This tour includes an expert guide who will explain the night sky

Maraya concert hall

and its constellations. From £70pp.

Get the Adrenaline pumping: For true daredevils, visit the Adventure Hub. The Giant Swing involves being launched off a cliff, suspended from a 70m swing, swinging through a canyon for great views.

This is only suitable for reasonably fit clients, as it involves a 100m climb up to the launch site. Priced from £50pp.

Creative flow: The dates for the annual AlUla Arts Festival have been confirmed for February 8 to March 2 2024.

The festival, which takes over the Old Town, wadis, and historic sites, with installations, workshops, and talks, is already a firm favourite with art lovers, and accommodation should be booked soon.

Discover more on experiencealula.com

Where to book it If Only A four-day Discover AlUla: Incredible Culture and National Treasures package departing Mach 2024 includes a stargazing experience, a Helicopter tour and three nights at the five-star Shaden Resort. Priced at £6,359pp including flights from Heathrow with Saudia. ifonly.net •

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five kentucky festivals in 2024 romp festival, june 26-29: Held in Owensboro, ROMP celebrates the roots and branches of bluegrass music. Expect a full line-up of live music, artist-led instrument workshops, organic and farm-to-table food vendors, craft vendors, art installations and professionally-led children’s activities. rompfest.com

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kentucky bourbon festival, september 13-15: Bardstown is the campus for an immersive weekend of great bourbon, food, music, shopping and conversation. kybourbonfestival.com

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kentucky derby, May 4: The Kentucky Derby horse-racing event is held at Churchill Downs every year. It is the longest continuously-run sporting event in American history and in May 2024 will celebrate its 150th anniversary to much fanfare. kdf.org Padacuh quilt week, april 24-27: One of the world’s UNESCO Creative Cities, Paducah is known worldwide for its rich traditions in quilting and the fiber arts. paducah.travel national corvette caravan, august 29-31: Often referred to as the world’s largest moving automotive event, the National Corvette Caravan is a celebration of America’s Sports Car, culminating in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the anniversary celebration of the National Corvette Museum. corvettecaravan.com

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22 / Six of the best

Attractions in

Boston Suggest Boston to clients looking for a city that offers a blend of historic sites, sports teams and good food and drink, says Stuart Forster

Faneuil Hall Marketplace This national historic site, known as ‘the Cradle of Liberty’, is one of Boston’s best-loved landmarks. Built in the1740s, Faneuil Hall is still a popular meeting place.

Street performers entertain on the pedestrian zone outside the elegant Great Hall. Nearby, browse numerous stores in the North and South markets. If you’re feeling hungry take a look inside Quincy Market Food Colonnade.

Whale watching tours Board a boat at the harbour to take a whale watching tour, which lasts around three hours. The best time to do so is from May into October, when migrating humpback, minke and finback whales gather on the Stellwagen Bank, a nutrient-rich underwater plateau. You might also see dolphins and seabirds, including shearwaters, cormorants and storm petrels.

The Freedom Trail The Freedom Trail is a two-and-a-half mile heritage walk that skirts past 16 of the historic sites in downtown Boston, including the Massachusetts State House. Join guides wearing 18th-century-style costumes to hear about incidents that shaped the city and America as a whole. The 90-minute guided tours begin at Boston Common or Faneuil Hall, telling the story of Boston’s role in the American Revolution.

Watch a pro sports game Boston is the home to the Celtics NBA basketball franchise, Bruins NHL ice hockey team and the Red Sox baseball club.

Even if you’re in Boston out of season, you can join a tour of Fenway Park, the home of the Red Sox. At 109 years-old, it’s one of America’s oldest ballparks and still has the original chairs. Revisit the careers of famous players and explore the grounds on a one-hour stadium tour.

Sink a beer `or two Enjoy a beer after learning how it’s produced during a free, hour-long tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery. The brewery is a popular destination, particularly on Saturdays, so arrive early to ensure you get a ticket as reservations aren’t possible. Alternatively – or additionally, if you like your ale – take a tour of the Harpoon Brewery, which has a sizable beer hall in the Seaport district.

Boston Common & Public Garden Strolling Boston Common’s 44 acres gives you fine views of the city’s highrise skyline. It also allows you to tick a heritage box – it is America’s oldest public park, having been established by Puritan settlers back in 1634. During summertime the hill beneath the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a popular picnic area, while in winter the Frog Pond is turned into a skating rink.

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CONNECT

24 / Show report

North America The Event WHAT: Selling Travel Connect: North America WHERE: Leeds, Birmingham & London WHEN: September 25, 26 & 27 2023 Who: Arizona Office of Tourism, American Queen Voyages, Bonjour Québec, Daytona Beach Area CVB, Delta Air Lines, Destination Ontario, Discover Martin County, Expedia TAAP, Florida’s Space Coast, Office of Tourism, Greater Miami & Miami Beach, Memphis Tourism, North America Travel Service, Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, Travelpack, United Airlines, VIA RAIL Canada, Visit Florida, Visit Denver and Yosemite Mariposa County

mount rushmore, South Dakota

bison in wyoming

Yoho National Park Of Canada, British Columbia

Did you know Delta Air Lines: Delta offers an extensive network with up to 39 daily flights to the U.S. this summer, including a new Delta non-stop flight from Gatwick to New York-JFK. Travelpack: Travelpack has exclusive flight, hotel and touring products from a wide range of suppliers, including access to top sporting and music events. It also offers guaranteed prices for all pre-registered holidays.

United Airlines: Passengers can fly direct from Heathrow to Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Plus year-round daily New York flights from Edinburgh.

TOP-SELLING DESTINATIONS The USA and Canada were the focus of Selling Travel‘s latest trio of Connect events, attended by over 130 agents.

Sebastian Sarrasin, Account Director for Greater Miami CVB, showcased the unique selling points of the Florida city: “Miami’s amazing food scene has been a hot topic and football is a huge focus, with David Beckham and Lionel Messi playing for the local MSL club. There is now a direct link from Orlando International Airport to Miami with Brightline. We want to highlight the fun, busy and diverse neighbourhoods of the city.”

Another U.S. destination showcased was Denver, represented by Jim Odoire, Managing Director of Black Diamond.

On behalf of Visit Denver, he stressed that no visit to Colorado is complete without visiting its capital. “Denver is very easy to get to from the airport; it’s a great place to acclimatise to the altitude of Colorado, and it is a vibrant city to spend at least 48 hours in,” he said. Jim also chose Red Rocks Park

united states capitol, Washington DC

and Amphitheatre as a must-see highlight, describing it as “the world’s best outdoor concert venue”.

Arizona has a big initiative to encourage visitors to see more of the state beyond the Grand Canyon. Lauren Mckeever, representing Arizona Office of Tourism, said: “We want to see people adding a preor post-stay beyond the Grand Canyon and perhaps heading further north to the Utah/ Arizona border to Monument Valley to experience North American/Indian tribal land or further south to Tucson and Tombstone to immerse themselves in the Wild West history of Arizona.”

For those clients who lean towards nature and wildlife, Nicola Swabey, Account Manager for Black Diamond, showcased Yosemite Mariposa County in California.

“We’re highlighting the things you can do in Mariposa County outside of Yosemite National Park,” she said. “Only 5% of accommodation is inside the national park, so it’s best to book well in advance. We are also seeing the best waterfalls in 40 years.”

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Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

See the full gallery at sellingtravel.co.uk/ training-events

big sur drive, california

grand canyon, Arizona

Yellowstone Caldera, wyoming

In Canada, Ontario, is another destination known for its natural beauty, a fact stressed to agents by Tilly Grace, Sales & Marketing Senior Executive for Destination Ontario. “Ontario is the perfect four-season destination and at any time of year you’ll find something special,” she said.

Grace was keen to remind agents that Niagara Falls is known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World”.

UPSELL OPPORTUNITIES Kate Devereux, Senior Account Manager at Delta Air Lines, told agents all about the carrier’s choice of up to four cabin experiences, including Delta One® suite and Delta Premium Select, its extensive network, the onboard product and Delta’s plans for the coming year.

Meanwhile, Victoria Culling from North America Travel Service gave agents an insight into the range of itineraries NATS offers. The operator is now selling sporting visits such as F1 and music events including Kylie Minogue’s Las Vegas residency.

Rupert Thomson, Director of American Queen Voyages, educated agents on the historical paddle-steamers that tell the story of the Deep South. He said: “We’re talking to travel agents and tour operators about our product between New Orleans and Memphis and highlighting the Southern states. We have fantastic sevennight cruises and pre-cruise hotel nights.

The best part is clients get to see multiple destinations but only unpack once.”

Claire King, representing SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, welcomed the chance to answer any questions that agents may have about selling the attraction. She said: “We have an open door policy and encourage agents to come and see for themselves the work we do.

“A lot has changed since the parks opened 40 years ago. For example, the whales we now have in captivity were born here so the Government has deemed them ‘non-releasable’. The breeding programme has stopped so the current whales will be the last ones at SeaWorld, and they get

New York City, new york

golden gate bridge, San Francisco

daily health tests and have nutritionists.”

A key focus is the rescue centre and certified autism centres, Sesame Street and Discovery Cove. Claire said: “We have rescued over 40,000 animals including manatees, dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and this June we opened a coral reef rescue centre.

“Another big focus is accessibility. We have dedicated sensory rooms and an IBCCES app which determines which attractions are suitable for special needs.”

ENJOYABLE EVENTS Among the agents in London was Sue White, a Travel Specialist with Go Travel, who enthused: “It’s always interesting to meet new suppliers and learn about different products. They’re always really informative and enjoyable events.”

Prizes on the night included $1,000 in Delta flight vouchers, Love2Shop vouchers, luxury hampers and more.

See the full event gallery and upcoming events at sellingtravel.co.uk/training-events •

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26 / My journey

Cowboy Culture in

Texas

Jessica Pook embraces the ranch lifestyle in the Texas Hill Country – home to the Cowboy Capital of the World

W

e enter the 11th Street Cowboy Bar and take a 360 to fully absorb our surroundings. On the adjacent wall giant Budweiser and Coors Light neon signs flicker, illuminating old photos of rodeos, dusty cowboy hats and horseshoes, but it’s the multiple bras hanging from the ceiling that catches everyone’s attention.

Moving through the swinging door we find ourselves in an expansive outdoor patio complete with bandstand and sawdust-covered dance floor. Undeterred by the obligatory cowboy hat dress code, we settle on a bar stool and wait for the band to start. The twang of Country music fills the air and we watch as a few mean looking cowboys take to the dance floor, all very willingly. Then, poised in their pairs they start twirling effortlessly in a perfect clockwise circle.

Having had a fast track line dance tutorial earlier that day, some of our group brave the dance floor, much to the amusement of the other punters, until one of the skilled dancers takes pity and guides us through the routine, counting every step.

Rodeos and Ranches In under an hour we had been transported from the city buzz of San Antonio to what felt like small town Texas. Bandera earned its title as 'Cowboy Capital of the World' when it became a staging area for one of the last great cattle drives of the late 1800s. It lives up to its name with hidden saloons, stores stacked high with cowboy

hats and boots and horse ranches dotted across the Texas Hill Country.

One of which, Mayan Ranch, is where we stop for the night. Its picturesque trails meander over 348 acres, from the lowlands of the Medina River to the rolling hills of the valley beyond. Impressively, it claims to have produced seven world champion rodeo cowboys and promises a special brand of 'horsepitality'.

The rustic charm is echoed throughout the ranch and it is not long before I’m on a hay-ride bouncing down to a paddock where a BBQ feast awaits.

We each pile our plates high with brisket, potato, corn and gravy before we sit, family-style, on long benches, a cowboy crooner singing as the sun sets.

A few escapee horses dine on the longer grass around us before being ushered back behind the gates. Beyond, horses graze as far as the eye can see.

The next day it’s time to get better acquainted as we saddle up for a ride, the horses even more enthusiastic than the riders. I’m relieved to hear that my steed, Winston Churchill, is very placid but it doesn’t stop him from getting impatient when he deems it is time to go.

We snake in single file across the lowlands while the ‘cowboys’ gallop alongside us making it look easy and comfortable, somehow. I compare it to a scene from neo-Western style drama Yellowstone, although this is not much of a compliment to the rancher’s son (there is a lot of violence and unlawfulness in the TV series), nevertheless the passion for

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Bandera has been the 'Cowboy Capital of the World' since the 1800s the horses and the way of life is certainly on a par.

And the ranch is much more than just a sanctuary for horses too: each year more than 125 adoptive parents, birth parents and children come here to connect with other like-minded families in a safe and supportive space.

We're joined at breakfast by a group who meet at the ranch every year. One of the adoptive parents tells me how special these weekends are for making memories and sharing experiences.

Small town Texas From Bandera we travel an hour north until we reach Fredericksburg which, from giant ‘Willkommen’ sign to multiple Bavarian restaurants, is not so subtle about its German heritage.

The town's history dates back to 1846 when the first German settlers arrived in the Texas Hill Country with the promise of work and a better life.

Overcoming initial struggles and hardships, the German community made Fredricksburg their home and brought with them traditions and cultures which still shape the town today, including a huge Oktoberfest celebration and German-inspired cuisine.

The inspiring story of those first German immigrants is told in the Pioneer Museum.

Visitors can step back in time by touring

the period complex, from the old school and smokehouse to 'Sunday houses' – small dwellings where farm families could sleep over during weekend trips into town.

Besides breweries and biergartens, Fredricksberg and the wider Texas Hill Country is home to over 100 wineries and vineyards – from the tongue-in-cheek 'Fat Ass Ranch and Winery' to the more refined Texas Wine Collective, which offers wine & cheese and wine and chocolate pairings.

Our whistle-stop tour finishes in Luckenbach, in southeastern Gillespie County. Despite having a population of just three, this tiniest of towns attracts thousands of visitors thanks to the hit country song Luckenbac, Texas by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Comprised of a music hall, a bar and a general store, the town entertains curious tourists with live music daily and its very small town charm, and lives by the mantra that "Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach." traveltexas.com •

Book it...North America Travel Service A 12-night Texas Adventure Fly Drive in March 2024 includes three nights in Austin, one in Fredricksburg, a two-night stay at the Mayan Dude Ranch, Bandera, three nights in San Antonio and three nights in Houston. The trip is priced from £3,655pp and includes non-stop flights from Heathrow to Austin - Houston to Heathrow on British Airways, plus car hire. northamericatravelservice.co.uk

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28 / The review Hotel reviews

Checking out

Cave Villa, Santorini, Greece

By Jessica Alexander The Background: The Cave Villa is one of the unique properties offered by The Luxury Travel Book which has a collection of properties across Europe, including a luxury villa programme.

The Location: The villa is located down a quiet cobbled street, perched on the edge of the famous Oia cliffs in Santorini, about 150 meters above sea level. Oia’s city centre with popular sunset spots is a ten minute walk.

The Room: Carved into the natural cavities of the volcanic rock, the room makes the most of every curved wall with a queen size bed, mini-fridge, and espresso maker, plus separate bathroom with rain shower. Despite being a ‘cave villa’, the room feels spacious and light. The outside space allows for a private terrace with sea and sunset views, framed by bougainvillea.

Key Facilities: The star of the show is the indoor plunge pool, complete with fiber optic lighting and a small waterfall, which fits neatly into one of the cavities. It makes for a relaxing evening when enjoyed with the complimentary bottle of local wine. Another highlight is the communal swimming pool which offers swimmers spectacular views of the caldera. The company offers a concierge service through WhatsApp and is happy to arrange airport transfers.

Restaurants: Villas are self-catered but the hotel’s Luno café, located at the entrance of Oia, serves fresh juices in the morning and cocktails at night as well as breakfasts, salads and burgers.

The verdict A unique stay surrounded by spectacular sea views and the typical white and blue domes associated with Santorini.

There is limited storage inside the villa which could be solved with a few drawers, aside from that it is a truly memorable property.

Rates: The Cave Villa starts at €400 per night. Agents get 10% commission on bookings theluxurytravelbook.com

The verdict The marina location – as opposed to a beach-facing hotel – Harbour Club offers up a different Caribbean vibe. The staff was super friendly and attentive. This is a superb and classy (but relaxed) choice that should be recommended to both couples and families.

Rates: A seven-night stay starts from £1,299pp. theharborclub.com

Harbor Club, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia

By Steve Hartridge The Background: A Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton, the property has 115 rooms/suites.

The Location: Harbor Club is adjacent to Rodney Bay Marina, on the island’s northwest coast. The Rodney Bay Mall, fashion and curio shops, supermarkets, restaurants, bars and nightlife are about a 15-minute walk (or threeminute taxi) away. Reedit Beach, one of Saint Lucia’s finest, is another 10 minutes’ stroll.

The Room: I stayed in one of eight ‘swim up’ rooms that are set on the ground floor. The room was spacious and clean, with a nautical-cumbeach theme. The super-king bed was comfortable while other features included a workspace area, a mini-fridge, espresso machine, a 55-inch TV and a bathroom with a bathtub. The standout feature was the patio that leads to a private swimming pool.

Key Facilities: The property features four swimming pools overlooking the marina, a well-equipped gym and a small spa. There is a large ‘work space’ area on the second floor and live entertainment nightly.

Restaurants & Bars: Julia’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed setting. Dinner options included prawns in coconut batter, red snapper, blackened mahi mahi, curried goat and more. There is also a dockside pizzeria, and 7th Heaven, a bakery and coffee shop. Harbor Club’s fine dining restaurant, 14 Degrees North, was preparing to open for the busy season starting October. It serves up Asian-Caribbean cuisine.

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30 / The review news

Tui expands long-haul offer Tui has added Kenya to its long-haul programme, with the East African destination now on sale for winter 2023 and summer 2024.

The operator is featuring 16 hotels on the Kenyan Coast, with daily indirect flights with British Airways and Kenyan Airways from London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick and Manchester Airport operating to Mombasa from November 1 2023.

Jill Thompson, TUI UK &I Head of Product, said: “Kenya is such a unique destination, offering customers the chance to visit untouched beaches and come face to face with black rhinos and red elephants on adventurous safari excursions.

“The country is home to more than 20 national parks and boasts amazing landscapes like the Great Rift Valley and the Mount Kenya mountain range. It’s also home to Diani Beach, where white sands are skewered with palm trees.

“TUI is really excited to be operating to Kenya from November this year, as we know Kenya is a true bucket list destination and we have tours and multicentre options planned for the future.”

Kenya becomes the 15th long-haul

• Pure Luxury in Europe Pure Luxury has released a dedicated European brochure for travel agents. The 68-page brochure, which will be the luxury B2B brand’s final one of the year, was developed to meet the increasing demand for European holidays. It will comprise 41 luxury resorts across Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia and Morocco. goldmedal.co.uk

• Malta relaunches training destination offered by Tui. Prices for a seven-night package to Bamburi, staying at the 4T Dani Sea Lodge on an all-inclusive basis start from £1120pp. The price is based on two adults sharing a double room with a garden view, balcony or terrace, with flights from London-Heathrow on November 25 2023, 23kg of hold luggage and transfers. tui.co.uk

Become a Qatar specialist Qatar is an undiscovered world that combines affordable luxury with middle eastern traditions. Merging rich culture, diverse landscapes and a cosmopolitan population, Qatar invites travellers to experience a world beyond.

Packed full of wonders, Qatar offers something for everyone. Visitors to the country can experience the cosmopolitan and bustling city of Doha and the contrasting awe-inspiring expansiveness of the desert within the same day. Qatar is a peninsula made up of five key regions: The bustling city of Doha and the other four that lie beyond the city – North Coast, West Coast, South Coast, and Central Qatar.

With Qatar’s popularity rising, agents will need to know more about the destination and everything it offers. The Qatar Specialist

NEWS IN BRIEF

Programme will teach all about the exciting new products and events that are planned and will help agents to gain insider tips on the top things to do when planning a visit to Qatar. The programme includes a wide range of content to help agents enhance their destination knowledge; build tailored itineraries and increase the value of sales to Qatar. Plus, agents have the chance to win a place on a fam trip.

The programme is made up of eight modules and one final assessment where agents will receive a certificate after passing.

There is also a range of downloadable material to make bookings easier.

To register and learn more about Qatar, follow these links. visitqatar.com qatarspecialist.lobsteraccess.com/selfregistration

Visit Malta has relaunched its training programme for travel agents. The Malta Training Programme has been refreshed with four new courses, followed by three more due to go live by the end of the year. The goal is to offer agents a place on future Malta Academy Fam trips. visitmalta.com

• Jet2 debuts Morocco Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are offering flights and holidays to Morocco for the first time. The airline will operate year-round to two destinations in Morocco – Agadir and Marrakech – with flights and holidays on sale for both Winter 2024/25 and Summer 25. trade.jet2holidays.com

• Ryanair adds new

Valencia route

Ryanair has announced a new direct route to the Spanish city, Valencia, from Birmingham Airport. The flight will run twice a week on Mondays and Saturdays, with prices starting at £20 for a one-way flight. visitvalencia.com; ryanair.com

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news

Delta’s 2024 growth Delta Air Lines has introduced new 2024 routes to Santa Barbara, Fresno, Seattle and Tulum.

June will see the launch of nonstop, once-daily flights to Santa Barbara from Atlanta and daily flights between Atlanta and Fresno, whilst Seattle-Dallas Fort Worth flights, which will operate twice-daily, are set to begin next July.

Delta has also reintroduced and extended a handful of US flights, including Aspen, Nevada and Alaska. Flights to Aspen from Atlanta and Los Angeles will be extended year-round in 2024. Its nonstop once-daily service from Atlanta to Renvo, Nevada will be reintroduced in June and Detroit-Anchorage non-stop flights will also return in the same month.

Meanwhile Delta’s daily Atlanta-Tulum service will launch March 28, 2024, and will operate year-round.

Joe Esposito, Senior Vice President – Network Planning at Delta, said: “By reopening our service to Santa Barbara and delivering more ways to access sought-after destinations throughout the US and beyond, we’re more ready than ever to take our passengers on their next great adventures.” delta.com

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ARTY CINCY WHAT MAKES THE CINCY REGION A GREAT CITY FOR ART?

Historically, the Cincy Region has been a champion of the arts since its days as a frontier outpost. It is home to one of America’s oldest art museums (Cincinnati Art Museum) and the most significant pre-Civil War murals in the U.S. (the Duncanson Murals at the Taft Museum of Art, painted by Black artist Robert S. Duncanson). Today, the Cincy Region is home to a major symphony orchestra, opera and ballet companies, a Tony Award-winning regional theater and a variety of museums — multiple with free admission. In addition, the region is becoming a global arts destination thanks to our unrivaled public art programme. More than 300 colourful street murals line our city buildings, depicting everything from our unique history and quirky culture to famous residents. And myriad sculptures — from historic bronzeworks and modern abstracts to a giant fiberglass alien — add a sense of whimsy for residents and visitors alike.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE ART EVENTS

BLINK, the nation’s largest light, art and projection experience, takes over more than 30 blocks of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for four days every other October; the next iteration is October 17-20, 2024. During BLINK, buildings and murals are lit up with coordinated projections that lead visitors from start to finish — typically with a BLINK glow-in-the-dark cocktail in hand. Over two million people attend the event, and it’s completely free! The Cincy Region is also home to Summerfair, a popular juried arts and crafts festival and an annual Fringe Festival each June, hosting more than 150 performances.

ARE THERE STORIES BEHIND THE STREET ART?

The Cincy Region is famous for its murals. Walking the streets or riding the free streetcar on a self-guided mural tour or guided tour uncovers the unique cultural identity of the Cincy Region.

Some murals not to miss include: “Mr. Dynamite,” featuring Soul icon James Brown. Brown got his start at the Cincy Region’s nowdefunct King Records, which produced some of his earliest hits.

Meanwhile “Armstrong” is a tribute to Ohio-born astronaut Neil Armstrong who called Cincinnati home and actually taught at the University of Cincinnati.

CLAY COOK 2018

VIVA Cruises has launched its first ‘LGBTQ+ & Friends’ cruise.

Taking place from February 28 to March 3 2024, the fournight itinerary will explore the cities of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam in a relaxed LGBTQ+ friendly environment.

The five-day journey will take place on board VIVA MOMENTS with capacity for 176 guests. The cruise will start and end in Antwerp, home to independent fashion houses and museums. On day two, guests will be able to explore the Dutch city of Rotterdam. A city walk will allow guests to experience the atmosphere of the town, which offers a wide variety of museums and art galleries. On days three and four, VIVA MOMENTS will dock overnight in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands.

Part of the trip is a canal cruise which will tour the city’s famous canals and showcase Amsterdam’s traditional narrow houses with their gabled facades. There will also be the opportunity to visit the IHLIA LGBTI Heritage – the world’s largest archive on LGBTQ+ history – before exploring Amsterdam’s nightlife, famous for its LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Popular areas include Reguliersdwarsstraat, Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat.

Prices start from £795pp including the VIVA All-Inclusive product, including gratuities. viva-cruises.com

J. MILES WOLF

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32 / Event report

Valencia The Event WHAT: Region of Valencia Tourism Board WHERE: Edinburgh WHEN: October 13, 2023 Travel agents from Edinburgh were invited to learn all about the Region of Valencia at an event hosted by the Region of Valencia Tourism Board on October 13.

Held at The Duck and Waffle, in the St James Quarter shopping centre, the one-hour long agent event provided an opportunity for agents to learn and be inspired by the diverse tourism offering in the Region of Valencia.

Spanning an area of more than 8,900 square miles, the Region of Valencia has more than 300 miles of coastline and attracts approximately 2.5 million UK tourists a year.

With around 300 sunny days a year and average temperatures of 20°C, the region is a year-round tourism destination.

sampling spanish wine

St James Quarter, Edinburgh

Palacio del marques de dos aguas

Reasons to visit Attendees at the event heard Nuria Montes, Minister of Tourism, Innovation, Industry, and Commerce for the Region of Valencia, explain that there is much for travellers in addition to the sunshine, sandy beaches and secluded coves. Key attractions include sporting events, music festivals and 22 natural parks where visitors can participate in outdoor activities. Ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer insights into the Region of Valencia’s cultural heritage.

Scottish holidaymakers can fly to airports in the Region of Valencia from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Modern and competitively priced accommodation is available.

“Our region offers a lot of opportunities to have a good time during your winter,” said the Minister.

“I want to mention the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava, in Valencia – it is a fantastic place,” she added, pointing out a

Networking at the event

highlight in the regional capital. The district houses the vast Oceanagràfic València aquarium.

our clients love to be able to jump on a plane and get the sunshine – it’s got a great range of different beaches. There’s something for families, something for Travel agents’ perspectives couples, as well as something for stag and “I’ve not been in the area for quite some hen parties.” time. I’ve been to Benidorm, Altea and Kerry Watt of Club Voyages said: “I’m Alicante but I’ve really interested never been to “For us, based in Edinburgh, because I visited Valencia itself, so I’m it’s a short, two-hour flight, Valencia for the first hoping to hear a time last year for so our clients love to be able three nights. I wee bit more,” said to jump on a plane and get Steven McLean of realised that we’d Surgeon’s Quarter hardly seen any of it the sunshine” Travel at the and there was so Lindsey Middleton, Travel Agent, Middleton’s Travel beginning of the much more in the event. area to discover, so Meanwhile, Lindsey Middleton, who I’m really interested to learn more about works from home, as Middleton’s Travel, the region. Last year we flew via Gatwick, under the Intele Travel umbrella, said: “I’m so now that they have direct flights from really looking forward to this event tonight Edinburgh, it’s far more attractive to the to learn more about the Region of Valencia, Scottish market.” what it has to offer and what extras that we can add for our clients. For us, based in Insider tips Edinburgh, it’s a short, two-hour flight, so “We have mountains reaching up almost

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Mercado central

Meet with Valencia at World Travel Market

Castillo de santa barbara, alicante

an informative evening

Lonja de la seda

2,000 meters high… you can cycle, you can walk, you can hike and you can climb,” said Juan Muñoz, Head of the Promotion Department of the Region of Valencia Tourism Board.

“Elche is a World Heritage Site and has the largest oasis in Europe, with 300,000 palm trees,” he added, highlighting another of the region’s attractions.

The culinary heritage of the region is also significant, attracting foodies to try original Valencian paella – the most famous of more than 300 rice-based dishes associated with the Region of Valencia.

Gazpacho made with game meat is one of the regional specialities served inland.

Seafood, fresh seasonal produce and desserts are also reasons for gastronomes to visit a region whose chefs hold more than 20 Michelin stars.

Those who appreciate good wine can sample vintages in their appellations of origin, including Utiel-Requena.

“We have to be sustainable. I would take the public transportation, which is quite

good, especially in cities and around cities,” said Juan of getting about within a region that has good high-speed train connections with both Madrid and Barcelona.

For travellers who enjoy urban tourism and exploring cultural sites, the Region of Valencia has lots to offer: “In Valencia, they

“We have to be sustainable. I would take the public transportation, which is quite good, especially in cities and around cities” Juan Muñoz, Head of the Promotion Department of the Region of Valencia Tourism Board

are opening a new art centre, the Hortensia Herrero, soon and Valencia has been awarded next year’s European Green Capital. In Alicante, people can enjoy cultural visits and discover museums, including the MARQ – the museum of archaeology.”

The duck and waffle was a chic venue

Prize draw winner One lucky agent – Andy Gilhooly, who operates a Travel Counsellors franchise – left the event with more than just knowledge and inspirtaion. He also won a trip to Valencia in a prize draw.

“Loads of my clients love Valencia, Benidorm and the whole region. We have great connections in Scotland, so I sell it.

It’s very popular and it’s an easy sell for me.

It’s a stunning location, a short flight, and has beautiful weather and beautiful people. I see all these events as a big partnership...we all want the region to succeed,” said the prize winner.

All of the agents were presented with a goody bag containing information about the Region of Valencia and its attractions along with gifts including a frisbee, a fan and a bottle of red wine from the Vicente Gandia winery. Representatives from the Region of Valencia will be returning to the United Kingdom to attend the 2023 World Travel Market, in London, from 6-8 November. comunitatvalenciana.com sponsored feature

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34 / Adventure Travel

Adrenaline

rush

Adventure travel is experiencing a renaissance amongst UK travellers, with traditional relaxation now too tame for many clients. Charlotte Flach takes a walk on the wild side

A

s life becomes more stressful, travellers are searching for new ways to break away from the every day and get a hefty dose of dopamine. Recent research from IcelandAir concluded that 43% of UK holidaymakers are opting for escapes of an active nature, with two in five prioritising adventure activities when planning a trip, saying it makes them feel more confident.

“In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the importance of maintaining both mental and physical health, alongside the desire for offthe-beaten-path experiences,” explains Brendan Phelan, Customer Director for Exodus Adventure Travels.

“This has led to an influx in customer need for adventure travel holidays, as the active nature of the trip offers a sense of accomplishment and reward for physical exercise, while the adventure element allows travellers to venture to sought-after locations within their chosen destination.”

Out of the comfort zone

Health is wealth

Increasingly, holidays focussed on simply R&R are falling out of favour, says Laura Dewar, Senior PR and Communications Manager at Explore. “Our customers want to come back having seen and experienced new things, met new people and learned about new cultures.

“Since the pandemic, this is even more true – clients are seizing the chance to travel to new places, and are less likely to leave things lingering on the bucket list for ‘another day’.”

And it’s not just itineraries that are becoming bolder, with solo travel also on the rise, especially among adventurous women.

“The demand for solo travel has significantly increased over the past few years, with travellers searching for safe trips and routes that are relatively worry-free. Group adventure holidays offer a sense of safety, particularly for solo female travellers who may worry about adventuring alone,” says Phelan.

With wellbeing a top priority for most, it’s good to know that doctors are advising on the health benefits involved in active travel. These include the release of endorphins and the role connecting with nature is believed to play in improving mental agility and clarity of thought, while also distracting from any worries in your personal life.

Benefits go beyond just getting your heart rate up and blood pumping, says Brian Young, Managing Director EMEA at G Adventures.

“Adventure travel connects travellers to the planet, its people and, most importantly, themselves and therefore often has a profound impact on mental health and physical fitness,” he explains.

Travel is great for the mind and soul, agrees Dewar, but she is also keen to emphasise the physical aspect.

“Explore’s walking and cycling holidays are up more than 30% this year, and this trend for combining activity with

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Peru’s Inca trail is a must for hikers

Hitch a ride through Jordan’s desert

New Zealand is a popular destination for cyclists

Costa Rica’s rainforest is an adventure playground

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36 / Adventure Travel

Expedition cruises to Canada are popular with the over 60s

incredible views, cultural sites and great food seems to be here to stay.”

The wellbeing benefit is also heightened by the senses going into overdrive, as travellers observe new landscapes and learn about new cultures, adds Exodus’ Phelan.

“Adventure travel dares people to go out of their comfort zone by venturing to destinations that would be otherwise inaccessible,” he says.

Best in class Whether it’s snow tubing down a mountainside or a gentle kayak on a lake, agents can offer excitement no matter what a clients’ definition of adventure is.

Explore is seeing rising demand for Jordan, for its combination of history and nature: travellers can visit Petra, camp out under the stars in Wadi Rum and go snorkelling in the Red Sea. In the same vein, Qatar’s desert tempts adrenaline seekers with explorations on a quad bike, ATV or dune buggy.

There’s also an exhilarating desert safari over the dunes to Khor Al Adaid,

accessible only by 4x4 vehicles.

Costa Rica is also in vogue due to biodiverse pristine rainforests that are home to monkeys and sloths and is one of Exodus Adventure Travels’ top destinations for adventure too.

“Other popular destinations include Peru for Machu Picchu, Italy for its rolling hills and the Dolomites, and Vietnam for its paddy fields, mountains and striking bays,” adds Phelan.

Although destinations such as Nepal, Tanzania, Costa Rica and Peru draw travellers looking to complete the challenge of a lifetime, adventure is no longer just about faraway and exotic destinations, says G Adventures’ Young.

“Adventure can be found close to home. In response to this trend, our European tours uncover a new adventurous side to places such as Tenerife, Ibiza and Madeira.”

Top sellers Walking holidays are an ideal way to explore a destination in depth and take in its landscapes, says Explore’s Dewar, and is

ideal for meeting like minded people. “An excellent way to experience small group travel for the first time is walking, which is a natural way to meet people and spend time talking with members of the group.”

Cycling tours are great for taking in a destination under your own steam, while indulging in an active hobby.

Intrepid has added active options and trips in New Zealand that are away from the usual tourism trail. These include the four-day Cycle Otago Rail Trail which gives travellers the chance to cycle the oldest rail trail in the country and alongside some of the South Island’s most stunning scenery.

It’s also helpful to bear the age group you’re selling to in mind, says Young.

“Iconic adventure trips such as the Inca Trail are very popular with younger travellers. For those aged 50-plus, the National Geographic Journey with G Adventures offers the chance to get deeper into cultures and habitats. While many aged 60 and above are opting for our ‘Marine’ style trips, such as expedition adventures in the polar regions and river cruising in the Amazon and the Mekong.” •

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38 / Adventure UAE

Pedal to the

METAL Home to the world’s longest zipline and desert ‘dunebashing’, the UAE has adventure attractions that will appeal to thrill-seeking clients, says Siobhan Grogan

A

s my boat lurches violently to one side, I look around desperately for something to cling onto to stop me sliding into the frothing water below.

My scream is immediately swallowed up by the noise of roaring rapids as we plunge down another drop and pick up even more speed. I paddle frantically with my oar as we hurtle around a steep bend and the inflatable boat tips almost entirely on one side, half submerged under the waves,

before it’s thrown upwards and back down onto the water. I’m soaked through, my heart is racing and I’m utterly terrified – yet I already know I’ll want to do it all over again the moment we’ve finished.

The middle of a desert may not be the first place you’d expect to try white-water rafting for the first time, but the UAE is full of adrenalin-fuelled surprises.

About 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Adventure Park is an action-packed playground for anyone who prefers their holiday with a little more get-up-andgo. The first man-made rafting park in the Middle East, it also has a surf pool, a floating inflatable obstacle course and wakeboarding facilities – all in the shadow of the Jebel Hafit mountain.

It’s just one of the high-octane attractions drawing a new type of adventure traveller to the UAE.

King of adrenalin mountain biking in ras al khaimah

Ideal for active families and any clients craving more than a fly and flop, the UAE offers endless adventures all within

easy reach of top hotels, beaches and mammoth shopping malls so they can do as much – or as little – as they choose.

With vast swathes of untouched desert, craggy mountains and the blue waters of the Persian Gulf close by, the region’s natural terrain is ideal for all kinds of thrilling activities from abseiling to ziplining, dune-bashing to scuba-diving.

“A relatively small region that’s easy to navigate, the UAE offers such diversity in activities to suit all levels of adventure traveller including skydiving over the iconic skyline of Dubai, dune bashing in Abu Dhabi, kayaking the mangroves in Ajman and taking on the longest zip line in the world in Ras Al Khaimah,” says Sheena Paton, Senior Programme Manager at Kuoni.

“The UAE has invested in appealing to tourists so many hotels include waterpark access or even have their own waterparks.”

Eric Johnson, Marketing Director of Sovereign Luxury Travel, agrees.

“The UAE is relatively easy to get to, there’s no jet lag and you have a

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hiking in dubai

‘Dune bAshing’ in dubai

completely unique cultural experience. The service is fantastic, the food is amazing, the destinations are safe and the weather is more guaranteed than in other places.”

That means there’s little chance that your client’s skydive will be spoilt by grey clouds or their kayaking expedition rained off.

And purpose-built attractions including white-water rapids and even indoor snow parks mean they can also have a go at tobogganing, rafting or even snow zorbing… as long as they’re brave enough.

Dubai Whether clients want white-knuckle thrills or family-friendly fun, Dubai will please everyone. “It has a broad range of incredible adventures aimed at families, groups of friends and solo travellers, meaning you will never be short of options regardless of your party size or their interests,” says Hoor Al Khaja, Associate Vice President of International Operations at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

It’s best suited to those who want

ride the world’s longesT Zipline in ras al khaimah

maximum flexibility and are looking for traditional holiday activities like shopping, dining and sunbathing alongside extreme adventures. Plus it has the best nightlife in the UAE. “Dubai not only offers adventure but also a varied gastronomy offering, winter sun, a rich cultural heritage and more,” says Al Khaja. “There’s always something new to explore. And once guests have had some high-octane fun, they can relax by the pool or beach or indulge in a spa treatment.”

Hiking enthusiasts can test out the newly-opened 9.7km Mushrif National Park Hiking Trail nestled within the picturesque Mushrif National Park.

“Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as an adventure destination is underscored by Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain peak” Iyad Rasbey, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

water-skiing in ajman

Sell it: TUI offers five nights at B&B at Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel in Dubai, in May 2024, priced from £964pp (based on two sharing), with return British Airways flights from Heathrow and airport transfers. Tui.co.uk

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi offers excellent beaches, easy desert access and cultural attractions including the Abu Dhabi Louvre and the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.

Just an hour from Dubai but considerably less flashy, activities are more family focused than in any other emirate with Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

“Abu Dhabi is for those seeking more experiences and discovery,” says Johnson. “There’s more to see culturally with museums and mosques as well as the natural beauty of Saadiyat with its dolphins and turtles, the theme parks of Yas Island and the adventure of the mangroves and desert.”

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joanna skladanek

40 / Adventure UAE

camping under the stars in Masfout, Ajman

rock climbing in ras AL Khaimah

Sell it: Sovereign has five nights in Abu Dhabi priced from £1062pp and based on two sharing. Departing February 1 2024, the deal Includes B&B at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, return flights from Heathrow and private transfers.

Sovereign.com

Ras Al Khaimah If clients want to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, northernmost emirate Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is ideal.

High-end hotels cost less than in Dubai

indoor sky-diving in abu dhabi

kayaking in DUbai

and the region is less developed, leaving more space to get active. Think peaceful mangroves for kayaking, white-sand beaches for waterskiing and parasailing and expansive desert dunes for horse riding, dune bashing and sandboarding.

There’s no better emirate for clients with a head for heights either.

“Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as an adventure destination is underscored by Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain peak,” says Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

“It offers unique experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers including the world’s longest zipline, the region’s longest toboggan ride and Via Ferrata, a cross between rock climbing and mountaineering.”

Sell it: Kuoni has seven nights B&B at Fairmont Ajman, priced from £1,249pp, for a March 2024 departure. Seven nights half-board at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, is from £3149pp, in May 2024. Both include Emirates flights from Gatwick.

Kuoni.co.uk

Ajman “Ajman may be the smallest of the seven emirates but it still has plenty to keep any adventurous traveller occupied,” says Kuoni’s Paton.

Quieter and more traditional than its neighbouring emirates, Ajman offers a more peaceful introduction to the UAE with its authentic souks, tranquil beaches and a protected nature reserve. Activities tend to be gentler too if your client would rather swerve heights and speed – and it is considerably cheaper than Dubai.

“You can follow walking trails in the mountains, kayak through lagoons or even play golf within the mangroves amid local birdlife,” says Paton.

“Yet you’re just 20 minutes away from Dubai so it’s very easy for excursions if you want to dip your toe into other thrill-seeker options available there.”

Sell it: Red Savannah has a fivenight package in Ajman priced from £2,468pp. The deal Includes B&B at the Oberoi Al Zorah, premium meet and greet in Dubai, private transfers and return flights from Heathrow.

Redsavannah.com •

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CONNECT

42 / Show report

Rotana The Event WHAT: Selling Travel Connect: Rotana Hotels & Resorts WHERE: Glasgow, Chester & London WHEN: August 29, 30 & 31 Who: Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel, Dubai; Amwaj Rotana, Dubai; Arabian Park Dubai; Media Rotana, Dubai; Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi; Saadiyat Rotana Resorts & Villas, Abu Dhabi; Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, Fujairah; Grand Rotana Resort & Spa, Sharm El Sheikh and Palmeraie Rotana Resort, Marrakech.

Rotana Hotels & Resorts was the focus of the latest edition of Selling Travel’s popular three-city Connect event.

Agents received invaluable updates from the luxury hotel brand followed by a prize draw of generous hotel stays.

The roadshow saw over 130 agents across the UK learn more about the Rotana brand, which offers a range of luxury and affordable resorts across the Middle East and beyond.

The evening consisted of speed networking, insightful Q&A sessions and a generous prize draw which included multiple stays at premium resorts.

Speaking of Rotana Hotels’ prestigious collection, Anthony Vale, Key Account Manager for the brand, said: “We’ve been touring the UK with 10 hotels from the UAE and North Africa to meet and engage with leisure agents in the UK and spread the word that Rotana has a resort for everyone.” He added: “We’ve had great feedback from the agents and hope to do more of these events in the future.”

KEY SELLING POINTS With six properties based in Dubai, agents were keen to discover the unique selling points of each resort.

Representing Amwaj Rotana in Dubai,

Firas Khatib, Director of Business Development, was excited to talk about the huge refurbishment that has transformed all rooms as well as new food and beverage offerings, including a dine-around concept.

The property is located by Jumeirah Beach in the Marina District, with rooms and suites all featuring private balconies and views of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island.

Sako Mukhjian, Director of Sales, was on hand to tell agents about Rose Rayhann by Rotana, a 318-room resort with five restaurants located next to Downtown.

The resort has a Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club with gym, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, steam and massage rooms. Sako said: “The Rose Rayhann is unique because it is one of the tallest hotels in the world, with 72 floors, and we have just finished refurbishing the bar and restaurant.” His highlight: ”You can see the Burj Khalifa from your room.”

A hit with families, the Media Rotana, Dubai, has a Flipper’s Kids Club and is close

to many major attractions in the bustling precinct of Barsha Heights, Media Rotana.

Rabia Eddaoudi, Director of Sales, said: “The USP of this resort is the size of its rooms, at 36-40 square metres for a standard room. We also provide complimentary transfers to our two beaches along with a free beach kit.”

Towers Rotana was represented by Majed Aridi, Director of Sales, who told agents about the property’s convenient location, with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai just a short Metro ride.

Majed said: “The four-star resort is renowned for being very family-friendly, with dedicated family rooms, and we run shuttle buses to the beach and Dubai Mall.”

Agents were able to learn about two contrasting properties from Complex Director of Sales, Aneel Butt, who represented five-star Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel and three-star Arabian Park.

He said: “Al Jaddaf offers guests huge rooms (60 square metres) alongside additional luxuries such as a walk-in

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Rotana has luxury resorts across the Middle East

wardrobe, separate powder room and a washing machine and a small kitchenette.

“Meanwhile, Arabian Park is located just 10 minutes from Dubai Airport and is a great affordable option in Dubai’s thriving Al Jaddaf District.”

Moving to Abu Dhabi, Marwa Mustafa, Executive Assistant Manager representing Saadiyat Rotana, told agents about the property’s natural beachfront beauty, wildlife and golf courses, as well as its dine around concept. “The hotel is set on a ninekilometre stretch of pristine white beach on Saadiyat Island, which is also home to indigenous Hawksbill turtles.

“Guests are just 15 minutes from Yas Island and all the theme parks,” said Marwa. “It’s a destination, not a resort.”

For clients that enjoy diving, the five-star Grand Rotana Resort & Spa in Sharm El Sheikh is now one of the world’s most accessible resort destinations for snorkelling and scuba diving. Essam Elnahas, Director of Sales, was keen to talk about the resort’s 526 luxurious hotel

rooms and suites in addition to nine Royal villas, with private pools overlooking the sea and Tiran Island. The property features striking views of the Red Sea. Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Hajar mountain range is Fujairah. This lesser-known emirate is a great option for

“The Rose Rayhann is unique because it is one of the tallest hotels in the world, with 72 floors” Sako Mukhjian, Director of Sales, Rose Rayhann

guests looking for a more nature-rich experience and the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa complements this with access to spectacular snorkelling/diving and natural sights. Brian Strouys, Director of Sales, spoke of the resort’s 249 newly refurbished rooms and suites with a terrace or balcony.

“It’s the perfect place for getting away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai to

have a relaxing beach getaway,” he said.

The five-star Beach Rotana in Abu Dhabi was represented by Oxana Rudenko, Assistant Director of Sales. Focussing on the property’s extensive beach renovation, Oxana commented: “I am excitied to share the successful completion of our beach enhancement project at Beach Rotana Hotel. Our objective was to extend and improve our beach area, to offer our guests a stretch of pristine sand to enjoy.” visit rotana.com for more information AGENT FEEDBACK Each resort gave away a stay during a prize draw, with top prizes including a sevennights all-inclusive at Grand Rotana Resort & Spa Sharm el Sheikh.

Carlos Ibanez from Soliman Travel won a five-night stay at the Amwaj Rotana in Dubai. He said: “I’m so thrilled I will experience the product myself. I’m going to surprise my daughter with a spcecial trip.”

See the full event gallery and upcoming events at sellingtravel.co.uk/training-events • sponsored feature

rotana.com

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Be Inspired

44 / Six of the best

Adventures

in Tenerife Tenerife’s warm climate and volcanic terrain makes the island a playground for outdoor activities. Richard Williams rounds-up the top thrills for adrenaline seekers

Diving The island is perfect for scuba diving and free diving, with mostly calm waters, warm temperatures, and a range of marine life, wrecks and volcanic underwater landscapes to explore. Los Chuchos on the southern tip of the island is one of the most popular dives, with a gentle current, and The Cathedral, near Garachico, is one of the most colourful. At Las Eras and Las Galletas on the south coast there’s deep chasms.

Paragliding

Hiking

Nothing beats the buzz of gliding above the clouds. That’s why paragliding is one of Tenerife’s most popular adventure activities. As a beginner, you take your first flight in tandem with an experienced tutor, who controls the flight from takeoff to safe landing. One of the best launch spots is in the north, at Corona de los Realejos, landing on the spectacular Bollullo beach. In the south, try IfoncheVilaflor or Taucho-Adeje.

Hikers will enjoy exploring the magical paths and tracks that crisscross the Island. The most popular trail takes you up the volcanic Mount Teide, and the Samara route has great views over the other Canary Islands. In the evening, you can combine this with a stargazing experience in the Teide National Park. For the less energetic, there is a circular 6.5km walk around Chinyero, the last volcano to erupt in Tenerife, in 1909.

Kayaking This is a great way to see the island from a different perspective, and to explore the rugged cliffs, caves, and hidden coves along the coastline. You may even be lucky enough to see dolphins passing by in the distance as well as seabirds nesting on the cliffs. One of the most popular paddling tours is the excursion from Los Gigantes, kayaking under the imposing 800-metre cliffs and then jumping in the water for a swim.

Kitesurfing SPET TURISMO DE TENERIFE S.A

Tenerife is a cyclist’s paradise, with dry weather, little traffic, and a large network of roads. A popular option is the 22km ride along the south coast from Güímar to Arico, with spectacular sea views. Rent top of the range bikes and e-bikes from local suppliers such as Bike Point Tenerife or Free Motion. Visit the Sports/Cycling section of webtenerife.co.uk to find routes to suit varying abilities. You can also filter them for length, difficulty and region.

SPET TURISMO DE TENERIFE S.A

2021 SERGIO VILLALBA STUDIO

Cycling

El Médano, in Granadilla de Abona, already a popular windsurfing destination, is the best spot for this adrenaline-fuelled experience, especially if the wind is from the east. National and international competitions are held here every year. Other good beaches for kitesurfing are El Cabezo and La Tejita.

Wingfoiling, which uses a board with a hydrofoil attached underneath, is another popular option in El Médano.

SPONSORED FEATURE WEBTENERIFE.CO.UK

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Be Inspired Top ten / 45

Mountain

adventures Winter holidays aren’t just about skiing or snowboarding; there are so many other fun activities to try, says Bev Fearis

Scenic flight: Take a light aircraft flight with Aéroclub de Méribel and see the magnificent Three Valleys from the skies. Ski right in to Meribel’s retro Alitport, swap your boots for shoes and jump on board for an exhilarating ride. The price is €280 (£240) for a family of four. Stay at Hôtel Le Mottaret with Ski France. A Kids go Free offer means seven nights cost from £1,107 B&B, £1,400 half-board and £1,791 all-inclusive, based on two adults and two children sharing, excluding flights. skifrance.co.uk Snow kiting: A kite, a pair of skis (or a board) and some wind are all you need for this fast-growing sport. At La Thuile, a resort in Italy’s Aosta Valle, there’s a snow kite zone at the suitably windy Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo, on the French border. Rides cost €17, including lift access to the top. A week at Les Grandes Alpes in

La Rosère 1850, on the French side, costs from £939pp, including cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meals with wine, prepared by chalet hosts, return flights from Manchester or Gatwick and transfers. skibeat.co.uk Fat tyre biking: Pedal your way around the peaks at Park City, Utah, a hot spot for mountain biking in the summer and for fat tyre biking in the winter. Six miles of its 26-mile Historic Rail Trail are groomed in the winter months, connecting Park City to the Round Valley trail system.

Seven nights B&B at the Best Western Landmark Inn costs from £723pp, based on two sharing, excluding flights and transfers. igluski.com Tobogganing: Glide down the world’s longest floodlit run in Wildkogel Arena in Austria’s Salzburg region. It’s 14km long and at 1,300 metres altitude in the

valley towards Bramberg and takes around 30-50 minutes, depending on speed and ability. Go self-catering at the Alpine-style luxury apartments, Wildkogelresorts, in Bramberg, from £941pp for seven nights including flights from Bristol. sunweb.co.uk Ice fishing: Join a guided ice fishing experience in Sun Peaks, Canada. On a half-day tour with local expert, Campbell, you’ll walk across a frozen lake, drill a hole into the ice, peer down and (hopefully) see Rainbow Trout. Private groups cost from $400 for up to two, or $500 for up to five. A 10-night self-catering stay at Sun Peaks Residences, departing March 8 2024, costs £2,535pp, based on two sharing, and includes shared airport transfers. skisafari.com Paragliding: Soar like a bird over the Alpine peaks of Verbier,

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Be Inspired

46 / Top ten

Switzerland, on a tandem paragliding flight with twin brothers Mike and Stuart at Verbier Summits. Tandem flights cost CHF 190 (around £175). A week’s stay at Hotel Mirabeau, departing January 6 2024, costs from £1,393pp, based on two sharing, on a B&B basis, with return flights from London Stansted and shared airport transfers. heidi.com Snow rafting: Move over white-water rafting, there’s a new white-knuckle ride in town. Snow rafting – a fast and bumpy ride in an inflatable attached to a snowmobile – is becoming a popular activity at Niseko Village, at the base of Japan’s Mount Niseko Annupuri. A week’s stay at Hilton Niseko Village, in Niseko, departing March 2 2024, costs from £2,078pp, based on two sharing, including return flights from London Heathrow and daily breakfast. sno.co.uk

Ice driving: Get behind the wheel in Tignes for a thrilling ice drive in a car or a quad buggy – just like a rally driver, but at an altitude of 1,500 metres. Emergency braking, turning, counter-steering, skidding – you’ll learn them all with an experienced instructor. Quad buggy drives from €40, car drives from €70 with Evolution 2. A week’s stay at Residence Village Montana in Tignes, departing January 13 2024, starts from £745pp, based on two sharing, for a four-star self-catered apartment with return flights from London and transfers. skisolutions.com Mushing: Sit back and watch the experts at work or take the reins yourself on a dog sledding experience in Andorra’s Grandvalira ski area. A team of highly-trained huskies will transport you around the Riba Escorxada circuit as you take in breathtaking views. A week in the

Neilson Chalet Hotel Casale in El Tarter costs £799pp, departing December 19, with breakfast, afternoon tea and dinners with wine, return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and free ski guiding and coaching, based on two sharing a twin room. neilson.co.uk Snow shoeing: Explore the pristine trails of the Aigues Tortes National Park in the Spanish Pyrenees on a group snow-shoeing holiday with Ramblers Walking Holidays (RWH). In the capable hands of a local expert and an RWH guide, you’ll make your way through the valleys, famous for their Romanesque churches.

Seven nights half board costs from £1,475pp (two sharing) or £1,670 single room, departing February 3 or March 2, including return flights to Barcelona, airport transfers and local transports. ramblersholidays co.uk •

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Be Inspired Spotlight on / 47

Winter holidays the

Austrian Way With snow-dusted mountains, a thriving ski culture and Austrian hospitality, sporty clients will love an alpine getaway in Austria, says Sheena Adesilu TVB-Paznaun-Ischgl

Hit the slopes Austria is a hotspot for skiing thanks to its powdery-white snow that bedecks its peaks well into spring. The Arlberg region is Austria’s largest connected ski resort and is one of the snowiest regions of the Alps.

With new rail packages from Inghams, clients can travel to St Anton am Arlberg by train.

Also new this winter is an up to 84km long tour, without having to take a single lift twice, in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental Resort.

Travellers looking for activities beyond the slopes can opt for cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snowshoe hiking or dog sledding. In Zell am See-Kaprun clients can go skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier before a spot of ice-skating on the frozen lake.

Ischgl blanketed in snow

Cosy stays

Oesterreich-Werbung_Christoph-Oberschneider

Culinary delights Discovering Austria’s hearty food scene is a must. Famous local dishes include shredded pancakes called Kaiserschmarren, bacon dumplings known as Tiroler Speckknödel, and Käsespätzle – Austria’s answer to mac n’ cheese.

Foodies should visit Zillertal, with its 150 refreshment stops and rustic alpine huts, or Ischgl, a hotspot for fine dining with 10 award-winning restaurants.

Family enjoying Kaiserschmarren

Gemütlichkeit

Winter Hiking in St Johann in Tirol

Franz-Gerdl

enjoying the sun on the slopes in Innsbruck

Innsbruck-Tourismus_Andre-Schoenherr

For ultimate ease, a ski-in-ski-out hotel or guest house right on the slopes is the way to go. Gurgl in the Ötztal valley in Tirol or St Johann in Salzburg offer great options.

Families are well-catered for in Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, so the little ones feel instantly at home.

If clients want to adopt an Austrian lifestyle, they can head to a spa before dinner and relax after a long day on the slopes. There are plenty of four- or five-star hotels with spa facilities, including Das Central in Sölden, Green Spa Resort Stanglwirt in Going am Wilden Kaiser in Tirol or the Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang.

Gemütlichkeit, meaning comfort, cosiness and homeliness, is a key part of Austrian hospitality. Austrians are known for their warmth and conviviality, encouraging travellers to connect with its locals and nature.

Visiting a Christmas market or two is the perfect opportunity to mingle with locals, sip a glass of Glühwein, sample Christmas biscuits and browse the stalls for handicrafts. Famous Christmas markets to visit are Innsbruck and Kitzbühel which kick off from mid-November. • sponsored feature

AUSTRIA.INFO

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Trade talk

48 / Connect events calendar

CONNECT

Events Calendar January 2024

Asia London: January 8 Birmingham: January 9 Leeds: January 10 Glasgow: January 11 February 2024

Middle East Leeds: February 5 London: February 6 Canada London: February 19 Manchester: February 20 March 2024

USA London: March 18 Chester: March 19 Manchester: March 20 Glasgow: March 21 April 2024

Australasia & Pacific Region London: April 8 Birmingham: April 9 Manchester: April 10 Glasgow: April 11 May 2024

Indian Ocean London: May 13 Chester: May 14 Leeds: May 15 Edinburgh: May 16 JUNE 2024

Latin America Glasgow: June 17

Manchester: June 18 Birmingham: June 19 London: June 20 JUly 2024

Caribbean London: July 8 Manchester: July 9 Leeds: July 10 Glasgow: July 11 September 2024

USA London: September 23 Birmingham: September 24 Leeds: September 25 Edinburgh: September 26 October 2024

Indian Ocean London: October 14 Birmingham: October 15 Manchester: October 16 Glasgow: October 17 November 2024

Europe London: November 11 Leeds: November 12 Manchester: November 13 Glasgow: November 14 December 2024

Middle East London: December 2 Manchester: December 3 Africa London: December 9 Chester: December 10

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