Travel Bulletin 11th May 2012

New developments& major sporting

events help reignite interest

Middle East

May 11 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,778 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinTravel 2 is giving agents thechance to win an Ozzie adventure

puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku and you could wina £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher

the latest operator savings, programmeadditions & flight launches

uk airportsRegional airports: the benefitsof flying local

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portugal & madeira

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More than 120 destinations worldwide and over 500 international awards. Emirates flies from Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow via Dubai. To book or for further information, consult your GDS. To book holiday packages contact Emirates Tours UK on 020 7590 1450. Discover frequent flyer benefits at skywards.com

emiratesagents.com/uk

Hello Tomorrow

HelloVietnamFrom the buzz of culture-filled cities to stunning landscapes, ancient myths and new adventures, experience it all. Fly Emirates daily to Ho Chi Minh City from 4th June.

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BRIGHT ASSEMBLY...36 top independent travel agents from Berkshire and the surrounding region joined members of Bright (Bringing Real Information &Guaranteed High Quality Training) for a training workshop and dinner at Northcote House at the De Vere Sunningdale Park Hotel, near Ascot, recently. Picturedare, from the left: Roger Harris, 1st Class Holidays/Canadian Tourism; Marie Rayner, Travel Counsellors; Andrew Schweitzer, Viking River Cruises; Julie Welfare,Travel Counsellors; and Javier Blanco, Tenerife Tourism. For details or registrations for workshops see www.brightconsortia.com or email [email protected]

This Week3

newsa round-up of the latestindustry developments &product launches

9agent bulletinTravel 2 is giving agents thechance to win an Ozzieadventure

11puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku and you couldwin a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher

14 cruise bulletinTransun launches new polarcruise product

16personality bulletinwhich senior sales executivebelieves they would make agood event organiser?

17portugal & madeirathe latest operator savings,programme additions &flight launches

21middle eastnew developments & majorsporting events help reigniteinterest

27 uk airportsthe benefits of flying local

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THE ‘BRITS abroad’stereotype, once a bywordfor sunburnt lager louts,has been turned on itshead by new research fromalpharooms.com

The poll of more than10,000 UK adults foundthat the Britishholidaymaker is far moreof a culture vulture thanpreviously thought, with84% of holidaymakerslooking forward toexploring new sights andfour out of ten (43%)choosing to turn to guidebooks and learn moreabout the local area, ratherthan getting a suntan.

One in five (16%)respondents claimed thatthe opportunity to explorea foreign land is the mostinfluential factor whenbooking a holiday, beatingprice and even the lure ofthe sun. The researchsuggests that the rise ofall-inclusive holidays hasnot led to a lack of

adventure, with 94% oftravellers stating that theylike to leave the resort.Two in five holidaymakers(36%) spend their holidayseeing as much aspossible, and a further 57%split their time betweenexploring the local areaand staying in the resort.

The research alsoreveals that Brits are afriendly bunch abroad, with92% happy to make friendswith local people, and aquarter of holiday makers(25%) even going out oftheir way to make friendswith local people. Some88% of the people polledare happy to have a go atthe local lingo, with 31%swotting up on the keyphrases before take-offand a further 56% takingthe holiday as anopportunity to learn thelanguage.

The poll also found thatthe over 50s were the mostopen to new experiences,

with 86% claiming toembrace the holidayopportunity to discovernew places, in comparisonwith 77% of 18-24 yearolds. Men are also keenerto check out the localsights, with 38% of menstating that they ‘want tosee as much as possible’ incomparison to 35% ofwomen.

The company'smanaging director, JamieShuker, said: “Theseresults will be a breath offresh air for the muchmaligned British touristabroad. It’s time for Britishtourists to be recognisedas the considerate,cultural travellers that weare, as opposed to the‘Brits abroad’ reputationwe seem to have gathered.Our research shows thattourists want to learnabout local culture,language and food and area reflection of the trueBritish holidaymaker."

Alpharooms.com research reveals Brits are culture vultures, not lager louts

12notes from normantonSandy discovers that havinga drink can sharpen themind

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AITO & AITO Agents announcekeynote speaker for joint conference THE FIRST of many high-profile speakers for this year’s jointAITO and AITO Agents' overseas conference from June 14-17,has been announced.

The conference, which will be held in Funchal and issponsored by the Portuguese National Tourist Office and theMadeira Promotion Bureau, will welcome Deirdre Bounds askeynote speaker, a successful ethical entrepreneur, bestsellingauthor and founder of i-to-i.com. Deidre started up a businessfrom her bedsit and turned it into the world’s biggest gap-yeartravel company within ten years.

Other speakers at this year’s conference will cover topicssuch as the state of the economy, ATOL reform, Flight Plus,how to successfully market your company online and ‘changemanagement’ principles. For more information visit www.aito.com andwww.aitoagents.com

www.travelbulletin.co.ukMay 11 20124

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Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

Monarch Airlines Early start, no lunch, latefinish... we needsomething to #CHEERUP!Save up to £20 off returnflights http://bit.ly/IJE8jh

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Butlins WWE Raw returns toButlins in 2012! See starsincluding John Cena, TheMiz, CM Punk & Kelly Kellyat Minehead, 9-12 Novhttp://ow.ly/aD6CA

OurManOnTheGround Iceland are offering theworld's first tour inside aVolcano this summer! Areyou brave enough toenter?! http://ow.ly/aEsrq

Follow us on Twitter!http://twitter.com/

TravelBulletin

Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

● Funway Holidays - competition - 3 ways to enter: 1) Visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk to enter thecompetition, 2) visit www.specialisthk.com or 3) makea Hong Kong booking by June 15th, for further detailscall 0844 557 3131

● Expedia's Travel Agents Affiliate Programmenewsletter, with details on the latest events to signup for, plus a chance to win a lunchtime pizza for youroffice, see the flyer for full details. For further detailson the TAAP details www.expedia.co.uk/travelagents

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For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

A NEW survey of international travellers bySkyscanner has found that 39% of travellershave developed friendships with someone theymet on a flight, with 6% admitting to a romanticliaison with a new acquaintance on board.

The poll of more than 700 flyers found whilethe majority of these connections were shortlived, 5% spent time on holiday together as adirect result of meeting on their flight. Takingtheir friendship even further, 7% said theycontinued to stay in touch after their holiday.

Social media also appears to prolonglonger-term relationships, with 3% staying intouch on the social network with someonethey met on a flight. Dutch national carrier,

KLM, is looking to capitalise on this trend witha new Facebook app which allows passengersto enter their details and choose who to sitnext to on their flight.

Although 57% of people thought the servicewas ‘weird’ and would not be using it, one infive said they would use the app and aninquisitive 23% also said they would considerusing the service.

However, despite the new service beingdubbed the ‘Mile High app’, the results of thesurvey reveal that the likelihood of friendshipis far greater than that of romance, with only6% admitting to a fling at 30,000 feet and just2% having a lasting relationship.

Survey reveals almost 40% of travellers forge relationships on flights

CAVENDISH CALL...Jane Atkins and Graham Balmforth (left) from Superbreak visited the Cavendish HotelLondon, one of the operator's top selling London hotels, to introduce general manager, Ciaran Fahy(right) to the operator's new 2012/13 programme. The new launch features 108 new hotels, 11 newattractions, a range of new concerts and event packages plus new UK flight inclusive options. Overall,prices for the new programme lead in at £30.50 per person, per night at the three-star Britannia Hotel inBirmingham on a bed-and-breakfast basis. For details see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

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Explore launches ‘Limited Collection’ to appeal to pioneering customersEXPLORE HAS launched a new range of unique, one-off tours with anemphasis on exploring little-visited destinations, undiscoveredfestivals and special events in small groups. Called ‘LimitedCollection’, three trips will launch the new sub-brand, with furthertrips being released every three months. The first tours each offer anopportunity to discover rarely visited parts of the world.

As an example, a 16-day Congo and CAR: A Pioneering Expeditiondeparts on January 23, 2013 with a maximum group size of eightpeople, and travels from Brazzaville, through the Congo basin, toBangui in the Central Africa Republic.

Much of the trip’s appeal is the journey itself, as it makes itsway by road, dugout canoe and on foot through the World’ssecond largest rainforest to an area little visited by anyone exceptscientists.

In search of the endangered lowland gorilla, three gorilla treksare also included and there is also the opportunity to meetindigenous Pygmy communities.

Prices lead in at £8,375 per person, including flights fromHeathrow, accommodation (five nights’ forest camps, six nights’lodges, two nights’ hotels), all meals, a tour leader, local andforest guides and all transport.

The other two trips include a 14-day Tribes and Festivals ofSouthern China with Richard Beal, which departs on February16 and costs from £2,096, and a 12-day Falklanders’ Welcomewhich departs on October 25 and costs from £4,591.For more information, visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844-499 0901.

Discounts of up to £330 from P&VPIERRE & Vacances has launched a May sale to offerdiscounts of up to £330 at its holiday villages until theend of this month, including bookings for the Jubileehalf-term and peak summer holiday period. Theoperator is also giving guests the opportunity of payingin euros, as the euro is at an 18-month low of 1.22versus the pound. For details visit www.pierreetvacances.co.uk or call 0870-026 7144.

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THE DANUBE Express is offering savings of up to £410 per personon its three-day Balkan Voyager tour, which travels from Istanbulto Budapest via Bulgaria and Serbia. Prices lead in at £990 perperson with the discount, based on two sharing a Deluxe en-suitecompartment, including two nights’ on the Danube Express withall meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, scheduledsightseeing and the services of a train manager. The tour departson June 3 and flights are extra.For details call 01462-441400 or see www.danube-express.com


Funway issues 'California Dreaming' campaign FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched its ‘California Dreaming’campaign for this month and next, with the aim of boostingsales to the destination during the traditional shoulderseason.

The company's USA product manager, Casey Hurford, said:“We remain committed to providing the best possible valueand choice for our customers and it is hoped the campaignwill also highlight our continued value for money - from freebreakfasts and free nights to guaranteed room upgrades andspecial rate reductions.”

The operator has put together a selection of new packagesshowcasing both old favorites and new attractions in thedestination, including Blue Whale Watching tours, whereguests can see the whales migrate into Orange County watersduring summer. A five-night stay deal at Hyatt RegencyNewport Beach includes one night free and flights with BAand leads in at £749 per person, based on a May 24 departure.

Another special offer applies to guests visiting UniversalStudios Hollywood, where the new attraction, Transformers:The Ride 3D, opens on May 25. Visitors can stay for five nightsat Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn Universal Studios from £819per person, including flights with United Airlines, based on aJune 14 departure.

Meanwhile, SeaWorld San Diego opens its new rollercoaster ‘Manta’ on May 26 and the company is offering sevennights at Bahia Resort Hotel including a Southern Californiatwo-park Flex Ticket (to access to Universal and Seaworld)and flights with United Airlines. Prices lead in at £899 perperson, based on a June 14 departure, which includes aspecial rate reduction.For more information or to book visitwww.funway4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 0626.

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ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting its tour to the SouthCoast and Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to agents withclients considering Rekyavik as a holiday destination.

Passing charming villages as well as SkaftafellNational Park, participants will visit Seljalandsfosswaterfall and Skógafoss waterfall. The tour also passesIceland’s biggest volcano, Öræfajökull glacier. On arrivalat the lagoon, guests have some time to view the scenerybefore taking a boat tour.

Prices lead in at £165 per person for adults and £83 forchildren aged three-11 years.For more information call 0871-700 8888.

TRANSINDUS HAS introduced a new 15-day Classic India escorted trip, which is designed forfirst time visitors and discovers India’s Golden Triangle and Varanasi, as well as the highlights ofRajasthan.

Guests begin with two nights in Delhi to discover the main sights of the city. The next stop isVaranasi, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and, for Hindus, one of the holiest placesin India. Here guests visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first public discourse and now home tomany stupas and monasteries.

Other highlights include a boat ride on the Ganges to see devotees at prayer and a visit to thetemple complex at Khajuraho, before visiting Agra to take in the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. InJaipur, guests can take an elephant ride to the hilltop fort of Amber, and in Jodhpur they willvisit the Meherangahr Fort. The final destination is Udaipur, where a city tour is included.

Prices start from £2,295 per person, including 13 nights’ breakfast accommodation, flights, allinternal travel and scheduled sightseeing.

For bookings made before May 31, customers will receive a gift box of Indian spices.For more information or to book see www.transindus.co.uk or call 020-8566 3739.

FLEEWINTER HAS createdan itinerary to discover theCape of South Africa thismonth, which combines acity stay by the beach inCape Town with whale-watching in Plettenberg Bayon the Garden Route, and avisit to the Winelands.

The holiday commenceswith six nights at Oceanein Camps Bay. The two-bedroomed apartmentoffers ocean, mountainand coastal views and iswithin walking distance ofthe beach front, which islined with bars andrestaurants including‘Blues’, which Camps Bayis well known for.

Following an explorationof Cape Town the next stopis Plettenberg Bay, which isrenowned for its coastline,beaches and dolphin andSouthern Right whalesightings. Accommodation

is at the three-bedroom DeMeermin, an apartmentwith a large ocean facingterrace and views of thebay. The stay includes awhale boat excursion on alicensed whale boat whichis permitted to approachwithin 50m.

The itinerary ends withtwo nights in the Winelandsstaying at the four-star LaFontaine hotel inFranschhoek, a short walkfrom the town centre.

Prices lead in at £1,299per person, based on foursharing and include flights,car hire, six nights’ self-catering in Cape Town, fournights’ self-catering atPlettenberg Bay and twonights’ breakfastaccommodation at LaFontaine in Franschhoek. For more information or tobook call 020-7112 0019 or visit www.fleewinter.com

15-day Classic India option from TransIndus from £2,295

AW promotes glacial lagoon experience


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CYPRUSCYPRUSSpecialist in Tailor-Making Holidays

matched by product knowledge & 40 years experience

To request brochure or booking

call us on 020 8340 7612

Cyplon Supreme

Agents Club

email sales on how to join and what

the benefits are

Price Matching Will be ConsideredBook on line www.cyplon.co.uk or Email: [email protected]

Newsbites● THE YOUTRAVEL.COM Group has announced that it has secured new funding from existing

Abu Dhabi shareholders. ● THE EUROPEAN Regions Airline Association (ERA) has welcomed Channel Islands-based

carrier, Blue Islands, as a new member.● ON TUESDAY May 15 there is a free half-day seminar in Manchester entitled "Flight Plus

..... one month on". Lawyers David Grant and Stephen Mason will explore what you need toknow about Flight Plus and how agents and operators could fall foul of the new regulations.The event is the latest in a series provided free for the industry by Vantage Insurance. Tobook a place see www.vantageua.co.uk/seminars

● MALLORCA FARMHOUSES now provides guests with a cook’s guide to Mallorca. The recipesappear in an information pack, placed in each property, and also provide information onMallorca’s local markets, when they take place and at which village.

Fleewinter offers whales & wineitinerary in South Africa from £1,299

New festive tour from Grand UK HolidaysGRAND UK Holidays hasunveiled a newChristmas markets tourin advance of its 2012/13festive/winter brochure,due out this month.

The operator reportsthat it has seen itsupmarket ‘Gold’ coachtours sell well since theywere unveiled lastautumn, and now thenewest addition to the‘Gold’ programme hasbeen released: Berlin &the Harz MountainsChristmas Markets.

The seven-dayescorted tour visits theChristmas markets inBerlin and Wernigerodeand departs onNovember 25, with pricesleading in at £439 perperson.For more information or to book call 01603-619933 or seewww.grandukholidays.com

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DISCOVER EGYPT is launching a new ‘long cruise’ that takespassengers on a 14-night journey from Cairo to Luxor and onto Aswan and “Nubia”, as well as to access Abu Simbel.

Highlights of the trip include driving to the Ancient Kingdomof Memphis on the edge of the Western Desert; visiting thePyramids of Giza, including Cheop’s Pyramid, one of the SevenWonders of the Ancient World; visiting the Tombs of BeniHasan; and crossing the West Bank of the Nile to visit theNecropolis of Ancient Thebes, Valley of the Kings and Valley ofthe Queens, including Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Sailingswill commence later this summer with prices leading in at£2,197 per person including scheduled flights from Heathrow,transfers, full board cruise and all excursions. For details call 0844-880 0461 or visitwww.discoveregypt.co.uk

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Inside Luxury Travel: Quebec on Monday 14th May at 19:00 on The Travel Channel Presenter Varun Sharma's home for the next few days isthe Auberge Saint-Antoine hotel, built on a historicalsite in the Old Part of Quebec City and housing manyartefacts dating back to the 17th Century. Varun pays avisit to the Museum of Civilisation, sets up shop at LaPinsonnier and explores the small town of Baie St Paul,known as the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil.

Ones to WatchA pick of the top travel programmes

you don't want to miss...

Discover Egypt launches 'Long Cruise’ fromCairo, Luxor and Aswan

Tuesday 29th May 2012Elysée Restaurant, London W1

Travel Bulletin is delighted to invite you to this informative, fun eventinvolving a combination of networking, presentations, exciting

entertainment, delicious food and wine and a free prize draw with anumber of fabulous prizes to be won!

To confirm your place at this amazing event, email the names and jobtitles of up to 4 staff members to [email protected]

or telephone 020 7834 6661 for more information.

Invites you to attend a

Greece & Cyprus Showcase

Agent Networking Evening

Caribbean Airlineslaunches directBarbados flightsfrom July 1CARIBBEAN AIRLINEShas announced that it islaunching a direct servicebetween Barbados andGatwick on June 30, withthe first flight to Barbadosdeparting on July 1.

The twice-weeklyservice, operated by theairline’s latest Boeing767-300 ER fleet, departsBarbados on Tuesdaysand Saturdays with itscorresponding return non-stop service departingLondon on Wednesdaysand Sundays.

With the introduction ofthese services, the carrierwill now offer directservices to London sixdays a week.

For more informationor to book call 0870-

774 7336 or [email protected]

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BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has issued the second edition of itssummer 2012 brochure, which features new properties,new flight routes, revised prices and new cruise packages,as well as the addition of Sicily back into the portfolio (onViewdata and online only).

The operator has added the new Club Salina Wharfapartments in Qawra to its portfolio as well as the four-star Riviera Resort & Spa in Malta, which is offered on anall-inclusive basis.

Sicily has been reinstated into the portfolio, with tenproperties located in Taormina and Giardini Naxos(ranging from three- to five-star) and flights from Gatwickwith both BA and easyJet as well as from East Midlandswith bmibaby. The Sicily product is exclusively available to

travel agents online and through Viewdata - seewww.belleair.co.uk/sicily

Meanwhile, this month sees the launch of a new weeklycharter flight with Air Malta from Birmingham. This is inaddition to the twice-weekly flights from East Midlands(with bmibaby) and the existing route from Birminghamwith Thomas Cook.

Also new for this year is a new cruise holiday on CostaMagica from £609 per person, cruise-only, based on twopeople sharing. The eight-day cruise begins in Valletta,before setting sail for Catania in Sicily, Naples, Savona,Barcelona and Palma before returning to Malta.For details see www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

Free Disney ticket with P&O Ferries’ Dover-Calais crossingP&O FERRIES is offering customers a free Disney ticket when they book a Dover-Calais crossing for a car and passengers.

A free one-day adult Disney Hopper ticket, worth £62, is available with everybooking for a Dover-Calais car crossing this summer.

The offer applies to all car bookings made before June 30 and is valid for travel andpark entry until November 7. The free ticket provides unlimited access to theDisneyland Resort Park and Walt Disney Studios Park for one day.

Dover-Calais crossings for a car and passengers start from £35 each way for anylength of stay. The offer also applies to day trip bookings for travel in a car, withprices from £25 return.To book or for more information call 0871-664 6464 or visit www.poferries.com

New Croatia &Greece routesfrom MonarchMONARCH HAS launchednew routes to Dubrovnikin Croatia and Heraklionin Crete. The flightsoperate from bothBirmingham and Gatwickairports, with fares,including taxes, startingfrom £29 one-way and£72 return.

Flights to Dubrovnikoperate three timesweekly from Gatwick andtwice weekly fromBirmingham and flightsto Heraklion operatetwice weekly from bothairports.

The new routes are acontinuation of theairline's expansionstrategy revealed lastyear to focus on itsscheduled services andexpand its network tonew leisure destinationsacross Europe.For more informationvisit www.monarch.co.uk

Shearings revealsbest-sellingitineraries SHEARINGS REPORTS thatits best selling itinerariesfor this year include thenine-day Spanish HouseParty from £354 wherecustomers gain a realinsight into Spanish life.The holiday, which offersdepartures this month,spends six nights at theHotel Monteplaya, Malgraton full board, located nearthe Old Town and oppositethe beach, wherecomplimentary wine isserved with lunch anddinner. Three sightseeingexcursions are included inthe price, with a visit toBarcelona, a leisurely drivealong the Costa Brava anda trip to a local market.Also included is overnightcoach travel.

Another popular optionis a nine-day all-inclusiveSpain’s Golden Coast from£359. Guests can explorethe Costa Dorada wherehighlights include visits toBarcelona, the medievaltown walls of Montblancand historic Tarragona.

The price includes sixnights' all-inclusiveaccommodation, threeexcursions and overnightcoach travel.

The holiday is alsoavailable as a 16-dayoption, from £669 anddepartures are availablefrom October to November.

Bellleair Holidays issues second edition summer brochure

New products & services from Neilson NEILSON HOLIDAYS summer season has opened for itsBeachclub and Sailing Holidays and the operator hasadded a range of new products and services.

New developments have been introduced across thecompany's nine Beachclub resorts in Greece and Turkey,and as part of various projects to improve and develop itsBeachclub portfolio, the operator has introduced the newlyrefurbished Seaside Beachclub in Ortakent, Turkey whichunderwent a €500,000 makeover in time for summer.Neilson Adakoy Beachclub in Turkey was also recentlyexpanded with 36 new rooms and upgrades to public areas.

On the watersports front, the company has introducednew yachts in the Lycian and Ionian sailing regions, whereguests can take part in a Stay and Sail or Flotilla Holiday.Meanwhile, designed for aspiring skippers with someyachting experience together with basic navigation andsailing skills, the operator has introduced a ‘Day Skipper’course, where guests can take charge of a yacht with aninstructor close by.

After the five-day course successful students shouldexpect to be able to safely skipper a small yacht infamiliar waters during the day.

The operator has also upgraded its cycling facilities withnew TREK 6300 mountain bikes at its Cosmos Beachclub inVassiliki, Greece. Road bikes have also been introduced asa new concept at the Retreat Beachclub in Sivota, Greece.

Other activity additions include stand up paddleboarding, Zumba fitness classes and swim coachingwhich are all now available across all nine Beachclubs inTurkey and Greece.For more information or to book call 0845-070 3460 or visit www.neilson.co.uk

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● FAIRMONT IS offering members of its FamousAgents education and recognition programme thechance to earn up to £13 cashback per night atselected hotels in Northern California. Between nowand August 31, agents will earn the bonus when theybook a minimum of ten combined nights’ MissionSuite bookings at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn& Spa, Tower Suite bookings at The Fairmont SanFrancisco and all bookings at Fairmont HeritagePlace, Ghirardelli Square. To be eligible for thecashback incentive, members must complete theform at bit.ly/fmsagnts for each 'suite' clientbooking, and submit it via email [email protected]. Members will receivethe cashback payments in the form of a cheque inOctober. Agents can join the programme by enrollingat frhi.com/famousagents and review a short lessonmodule and answer corresponding multiple-choicequestions.

● IN ASSOCIATION with Tourism Australia and CathayPacific, Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to win anOzzie adventure. To qualify, agents must make a newholiday booking to Australia which includes CathayPacific flights between now and May 31. To completethe entry, agents must also send evidence [email protected] showing how they havepromoted Australia to their customers through theirWebsite, window posters or through any othermethod they find will grab their customer’s attention.For details visit www.travel2.com

● JOURNEYS OF Distinction has launched a newincentive ‘Are you being served?’ that gives agentsthe opportunity to win a luxury wine fridge andhave it filled with a selection of drinks of theirchoice. The operator's managing director, KarenGee, and agency sales manager, Sue Copper, willtravel the length of the country to personallydeliver winning agencies with their prize and servethem the drinks of choice. The incentive is valid forany bookings made by June 30 and one booking willbe randomly selected every fortnight throughoutthe qualifying period so there are severalopportunities to win. For details see www.jod.uk.com/travelagents

● AGENTS BOOKING any Walt Disney World Floridatheme park ticket this month are being offered a £5Love2Shop voucher per ticket sold fromDoSomethingDifferent.com. The offer is valid on allfive-, seven-, 14- and 21-day Disney Premium andUltimate tickets including the Disney & UniversalCombo, the Orlando Freedom and Freedom Plustickets. To claim [email protected] by June15.

● VILLA SELECT is offering agents a £50 Love2Shopvoucher when they make a booking that departseither this month or in October at selectedproperties. For details call 01789-764909.

GOOD TO GO...Go Travel were the winners ofDoSomethingDifferent.com's Easter incentive and won achocolate fountain for a day to have in their Chislehurstshop in Kent. Pictured enjoying the fountain are, from theleft: Annabel Cove, DoSomethingDifferent.com with GoTravel's Sue Johnson, Linda Parsons and Sally Camies.


agentbulletinBooking incentives

Agent offerALPEN CLUB is offering agentsthe chance to stay in a 'BavarianHidden Gem' for two nights(across Sunday and Monday) for£229. The offer includes breakfastand one dinner, a 30-minute spatreatment and a ride on the localcable car. The offer can be bookedup to June 30 for stays untilDecember 17 and prices arebased on two sharing.Alternatively, agents making fourbookings with the company byMay 31 will win the weekend forthemselves and a partner. Thecompany has also announced thatit has increased agent commis-sion to 20%. For details [email protected] visit www.alpenclub.de

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LEGER HOLIDAYS has arange of holidays availablewhich depart on June 1 and2, from four-day minibreaks across the longweekend to nine days ofrelaxation and sightseeing;all of which require threedays from a holidayallowance.

As examples, a four-dayMonet’s Garden, Paris &the Splendours of France’s

Chateaux & Gardensdeparts on June 1 andcosts from £275. Highlightsinclude a full day in Paristo take in the sights, a visitto the Château andGardens of Versailles, avisit to Giverny and thehome and gardens ofClaude Monet.

The price includes threenights’ breakfastaccommodation, travel by

executive coach with freelocal joining points andexcursions to Paris,Versailles and Monet’sGarden. Optionalsightseeing tours of Parisby day and night are alsoavailable.

A four-day trip toDisneyland Paris costsfrom £1,176 for a family offour and departs on June1. The price includes three

nights’ breakfastaccommodation at thefour-star Magic CircusHotel, travel by executivecoach with free localjoining points and a two-day ‘Hopper’ ticket whichallows visitors to movefrom park to park.For more information or to book visitwww.legerbreaks.info orcall 0844-504 6250.

INGHAMS HAS launched a newsummer 2013 programme offering lowprices, with Lakes & Mountainsholidays starting from £365 per person.

The programme includes addedvalue benefits of up to £600 per coupleincluding early booking discounts, cashbacks with savings of £50 per coupleand Inghams Plus offers, includingfree guided walks, free bike hire, freeentrance to local attractions, free useof lifts and public transport, freepacked lunches and free afternoon teaand cake.

All brochure prices for holidays toEurope have also been frozen at 2012prices.

The operator features a choice ofseven chalet and chalet hotels in

locations across Austria, Switzerland,Italy and France. The ‘Half Board Plus’accommodation includes daily buffetbreakfast, packed lunches, afternoontea and coffee and four- or five-courseevening meals. Many chalet and chalethotels featured in the preview brochurehave also been lowered in price fromthis year.

As an example of prices, a seven-night ‘Half Board Plus’ stay at thethree Chalet St Lukas, Mayrhofen inAustria, departing on May 18 and 22leads in at £365 per person, includingflights, transfers, breakfast, freepacked lunch, free afternoon tea/cake,a four-course evening meal, pre-dinner aperitif and a choice ofcomplimentary wines.

Inghams launches Lakes & Mountains 2013 preview brochure

Leger Holidays promotes three- to nine-day Jubilee breaks departing on June 1 & 2


newsbulletin

Keeping an

i on AppsA NEW Aruba travel guide app

has been launched featuring

suggestions on where to stay and

eat, main attractions, activities,

transport and the history of the

island. It also contains a list of

weekly updated events, as well as

information on special

promotions. Special features

include ‘Tips by Locals’, an

exchange rate calculator and

wheelchair accessible locations.

See www.arubatable.com and

www.aruba.com

VISITENGLAND has launched a

new Android version of its official

Enjoy England app. The free version

provides more than 1,000 ideas for

destinations and attractions to visit

across the country and offers new

functionality, with an inbuilt QR

Code reader allowing users to scan

2D barcodes and access informatio.

Users can also personalise their

search according to indoor or

outdoor activities or ‘must-see’

things to do, while those sticking to

a budget can be inspired by free

ideas. Each result comes complete

with a Google Map location. For

details see

www.enjoyengland.com/Official-

Enjoy-England-app

NYC & Company has announced apartnership with NYC start-up firm,CityMaps, by launching a free, co-branded smartphone app availablefor download on iTunes. NYC Mapis a comprehensive digital tool thatallows users to navigate New YorkCity using easy-to-recognisenames and visual POIs (logos) andto customise their experience withfiltered content from nearly 90,000hotels, restaurants, bars, shopsand attractions. The use of brandlogos on the map allows users toeasily view the businesses in theirimmediate areas, from banks andtourist landmarks to their favouriteclothing stores. For details seewww.nycgo.com/citymaps

S03 TB1105 News 2_Layout 1 09/05/2012 11:50

puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Irish city famous for its crystal

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the

3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate

to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name,

company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if

applicable to:

[email protected]

Closing date for entries is Thursday, May 17th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 27th April is Stephanie Barwick, Thomas

Cook in Derbyshire.

April 27 Solution: A=9 B=3 C=2 D=1

Across 1. European carrier operating from Findel

airport (6)4. Sicilian mount (4)8. Tour operator specialising in Turkey and North

Cyprus, ___ Sky (9)9. Manchester Ringway airport code (3)10. Country setting for The No.1 Ladies' Detective

Agency (8)14. Capital city near to where the Blue and White

Niles merge (8)17. Tampa airport code (3)18. Historic Moroccan city (9)19. French city and UNESCO World Heritage site (4)20. Well known TV and radio presenter, ___

Hunniford (6)

Down 1. Comedian, star of Not Going Out, Would I Lie to

You? (3,4)2. Popular tourist destination in China (4)3. Rocky Mountain state (5)5. Taipei is the capital (6)6. Avignon airport code (3)7. Chat show host, Jonathan (4)11. Tresco, Scilly Isles airport code (3)12. P&O ship, exclusively for adults (7)13. Capital of Croatia (6)15. Amphibious Wind in the Willows character (4)16. Hotel reservation services company (5)17. Norse god of thunder (4)18. National carrier of Lebanon (3)

Where Am I?

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

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

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

064

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 064

Travagrams

This cruise line shares its name with a small black breed of sheep from Scotland

Will Smith wrote a song about this city

A Cab Shielded Sirens Ruin

Am I Mi

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

S03 TB1105 News 2_Layout 1 09/05/2012 11:51

Trip Feast keen to work with agentsTRIP FEAST is now working with TTA and Worldchoiceand says that it is open to partnerships with otheragents, offering up to 10% commission on its tours.

The operator offers a range of cultural tours with aculinary twist to 11 destinations including India,Thailand, China, Lebanon, Ireland, Mexico, Vietnam, thePhilippines, Malaysia, Morocco and Serbia. For more information visit www.tripfeast.com, [email protected] or call 020-7183 5153.

FETCHMYLUGGAGE.CO.UK, which offers a home to hotelbaggage courier service with a full tracking facility, is nowoffering commissionable rates to travel agents.

The company claims that costs for the service aresubstantially cheaper than airline excess baggagecharges.

The company's founder, Colin Gilmour, said: "It’sfantastic news for the travel agent as they can now offerthis additional service directly to their clients at thetouch of a button. Our service eliminates the risk ofbeing caught out by the ever increasing luggage chargeslevied by all airlines. In today’s climate where mostpeople are feeling the pinch, our service can greatlyalleviate some of the costs associated with airlinetravel.

"The service suits all markets – families, the elderly,skiers, golfers, the disabled and brides to be. There isno better feeling than walking into an airport and goingstraight to passport control without being subjected tolarge check-in queues. Waiting around at the baggagecarousel in arrivals may soon be a thing of the past."

The service covers 270 countries worldwide andprices lead in at £29.98 for short-haul European flights.To create a login visit www.fetchmyluggage.co.uk and clickon agent login or email [email protected]

newsbulletin


Fetchmyluggage.co.uk launches baggagecourier site to the trade

FIRST OF all apologies to Alan Meadows who isBusiness Development Manager for Longwood,Preston AND Amathus Holidays - and who did

I miss off when I mentioned who you could book thelovely Asimina Suites Hotel which I had visited theother week? Yes, Amathus Holidays - so sorry Alanand as Brucie would say ‘you’re my favourite!’

Had a few visitors this week which is always nice –Richard Hey from Bedsonline called in to remind usthat they now do villas abroad and they also do airporthotels with parking now. Tracey from Balkan Holidayswas next, letting us know that they are doing the £70deposit for 2013 and they go on sale Fri and by nowyou should have had their new brochures – can’t waitto see them.

Read in the Daily Mail how an alcoholic drink or twocan sharpen up your mind! According to a surveydone, men (what’s wrong with us women?) who enjoya relaxing drink are better at solving brain teasersthan those who are sober. Not only did the thirstierchaps get more questions right, they were alsoquicker in delivering the correct responses. Theamount of alcohol found to spark creative thought wasaround 4 units – 2 pints of beer or two med glasses ofwine - make mine a double please!

Luella is excited - she is off on the BeachcomberAcademy fam trip to Mauritius that she won at lastyear’s Yorks Abta Ball and she finally goes on Sat. Nodoubt she will come back full of good things to say - Ican see a Mauritius window display being done whenshe gets back! Joanne can’t wait for her family holidayto Barbados in a couple of weeks after originallybooking for the Almond Beach Village - and then ofcourse it closed so now she is in the AlmondCasuarina Beach and Turtle Beach Resort - fingerscrossed all goes well!‘People can be divided into threegroups – those who make things happen, those whowatch things happen and those who wonder whathappened’ and ‘Fight with your strength, not withothers weakness ...as success lies in your effort, notin others defeat’.

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

jill. [email protected]

FUN BUS... pictured is His Excellency Ambassador Enrique A.Manalo of the Philippine Embassy, the Philippine Department ofTourism London (PDOT), along with travel trade representativesmarking the soft launch of the tourist board's latest brandcampaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, with outdoor advertson London buses, taxis and the London Underground.

S03 TB1105 News 2_Layout 1 09/05/2012 11:51

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a place on this year’s FAM trip to Hong Kong, look no further! With 3 options of entry available and giving you 3 chances to win, you could be one of 9 lucky agents jetting off on a 4-day trip in no time!

1. APPLY TO ENTER OUR CHOPSTICKS CHALLENGE!

Visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk to complete 3 simple questions. 30 lucky agents will then be invited to our Chopsticks Challenge event to compete and be in with a chance of winning a place!

When & Where: 28th June 2012, Central London

2. BECOME A HONG KONG SPECIALIST!

Or, just visit www.specialisthk .com to become a Hong Kong specialist today, and be in with the chance of being selected at random!

3. MAKE A HONG KONG BOOKING WITH FUNWAY!

Or, make a Hong Kong booking with us by 15th June 2012 for your name to be pulled out of the Funway hat – it couldn’t be simpler !

With so many ways to enter, now is your chance to experience Hong Kong for yourself and be one of those lucky agents! Entry closes: 15th June 2012.

For more details visit www.funway4agents.co.uk or call our experienced travel professionals on 0844 557 3131

Giant Buddha

Dragon Boat CarnivalDim Sum

WIN A FAM TRIP TO HONG KONG

Shopping

WHAT TO DO IN HONG KONG

1) E njoy the panoramic views of Hong Kong from The Peak

2) T ake the Star Ferry between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon from 20p

3) Admire the world’s tallest seated outdoor bronzed Buddha and visit the nearby Po Lin Monastery

4) Join the locals and enjoy dim sum for lunch or try one of the Hong Kong style cafes “Cha Chaan Teng” for some very af fordable dishes

5) T est your bargaining skills in one of the delightful street markets – Ladies Market , Temple Street Night Market , Stanley Market

6) T ake a stroll along the harbour and watch A Symphony of Lights at 8pm (every night)

7) H op on a Ding Ding Tram for 20p a journey and leisurely sightsee Hong Kong Island

8) E xperience a slower pace of life on one of the many outlying islands of Hong Kong such as Lantau Island, Cheung Chau Island, Lamma Island, Peng Chau

9) T ake a visit to one of the many temples in Hong Kong – Wong Tai Sin Temple is popular

10) T ravel on the world’s longest covered escalator – Mid-Levels Escalator – and stop of f in SoHo or Lan Kwai Fong to experience the nightlife

S03a TB1105 News 3_Layout 1 09/05/2012 12:09

CRYSTAL CRUISES has announced that its 2014 previewitineraries are now open for booking. A total of 17 voyagesvisiting 74 ports in 34 countries are available for January toApril 2014 sailings on Crystal Serenity and January through toMay on Crystal Symphony. “Book Now” fares offer savings of upto £1,200 per couple until June 30.

Destinations that are less-cruised and less-easily-accessiblesuch as Ghana, Mauritius, Brunei, Burma, the Cook Islands,Tonga, Sao Tome, Senegal, Namibia and Angola are featuredalongside favourites such as the Cayman Islands, PanamaCanal, Thailand and Hawaii. The company will make maidencalls in Luanda, Angola; Lombok, Indonesia; and Malacca,Malaysia and is also returning to several destinations not visited

in years, such as the Andaman Islands, India; Okinawa andTokyo, Japan; the UK’s Pitcairn Islands; and Jakarta, Surabayand Ujung Pandang in Indonesia.

All voyages but one offer overnights in local ports-of-call,including “double overnights” in Yangon (Myanmar/Burma),Yokohama, Ho Chi Minh City, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Singaporeand Shanghai. Winter/spring voyages range from 12 to 26nights, in addition to a five-segment, 89-night world cruise.

Fares lead in at £2,047 per person cruise-only, based on a12-night 'Southern Seas Soliloquy' from Valparaiso to Papeetedeparting on January 8, when booked by June 30. For more information call 020-7287 9040 or visitwww.crystalcruises.co.uk

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises is celebrating the 25th season ofits luxury small cruise ship, Hebridean Princess, by offeringguests the chance to sail on one of the original itineraries in2013 and save up to 25% off the cost of their cruise.

The ship's three original sailings being replicated include;‘The Islands of the Inner Hebrides’, ‘St Kilda, the Inner andOuter Hebrides and the Small Islands’ and ‘The Islands ofthe Inner and Outer Hebrides’ – a replica of the first Princesscruise which set sail in May 1989.

The company is also offering a 10% early booking discounton all 2013 bookings made before June 15, as well as anadditional 5% loyalty discount for previous guests. Guestsbooking two 2013 cruises at the same time will also receive

25% off their second sailing, when booked by June 15.New for 2013 are four new Footloose walking itineraries,

providing walkers the opportunity to explore untamedlandscapes, as well as partnership cruises with the NADFAS,the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society.

As an example of prices, ‘An Irish Adventure’ departsfrom Oban on April 16, 2013 and calls at Bangor, RathlinIsland and Londonderry as well as Hebridean Princess’ firstever call at Belfast. Prices start from £3,110 per personincluding free car parking and travel insurance, subject toterms and conditions. For more information or to book visit www.hebridean.co.ukor call 01756-704704.

TO CELEBRATE 30 years, Transun isoffering a new Polar Cruising productfeaturing a range of destinations anditineraries, and is offering a specialincentive to agents. Book a polar cruisefor two or more people before May 31and agents can take a free day trip tosearch for Santa in Lapland for one adultand one child. The choice of departures

is dependent upon availability. Toredeem, quote ‘Travel Bulletin incentive’at the time of booking.

Prices for the new Arctic cruises,which run through to September (withthe Antarctic being featured from theend of October through to March), lead inat £3,145 per person for a seven-nightGreenland cruise. The price includes

flights, overnight accommodation inReykjavik both en-route to Greenlandand on the way back.

Antarctic cruises start from £5,995 perperson including flights, accommodationin Ushuaia and a nine-night AntarcticPeninsula cruise. For more information call 01865-265200.

Hebridean Island Cruises celebrates 25 seasons by replicating original cruises

Crystal Cruises' early 2014 itineraries now open for booking


cruisebulletin

COMEDY WILL be served with brunch on the latest Carnival cruises, following the launch of a new free dining option. The PunchlinerComedy Brunch debuts on the Carnival Miracle, which offers eight-day voyages through the Caribbean from New York. Comedians chosenby American comic and the line's ‘curator of comedy’, George Lopez, will entertain guests as they enjoy mid-morning meals. The ComedyBrunch takes place on sea days in the main dining room and the company says it is likely the new dining option will be introduced acrossall of the line's cruises. Prices for a November 5 fly/cruise lead in at £1,039 per person, based on two sharing for ten nights.For details call 0845-351 0556.

Transun celebrates 30 years with new polar cruise product

S03a TB1105 News 3_Layout 1 09/05/2012 12:09

S03a TB1105 News 3_Layout 1 09/05/2012 14:09

Who is your ideal travelling companion? Hema my best friend, because we justhave such a great time together andshe always makes me laugh.

What's your earliest childhood memory? When I was in Zimbabwe, I was aboutfive years old and we went to a lionpark. I was able to feed a very smallcub but when it was time to give backthe cub I wouldn’t and told my mumthat I wanted to take it home.

Where was your last work-related trip?Orlando & St Petersburg – it was agreat group of ten agents. We flewPremium Economy & stayed at theLowes Hotel in St Petersburg wherethey even put on a great cocktail partyfor us. After that some of the groupstill wanted to enjoy the evening &ended up hitchhiking a ride with thelocal sheriff!

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Meryl Streep so I could win an oscarand mix with the stars.

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you? Bubbly – because I’m just good fun,enthusiastic – because I love life andcaring – because I am there for myfriends and family.

What have your travels taught you? Embrace the world and differentcultures.

What is the best advice you recall? Never borrow, never lend if you wantto keep a friend.

If you could have a room full ofany one thing, what would it be?Money of course! If anyone else saysanything different they would be lying.

If you could change three things inthe industry, what would they be? Discounting, fuel surcharges and thepay.

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? My parents. They have supported methroughout all my ups and downs andinspired me to pursue my dreams.

What's your favourite city and why? Las Vegas baby!

If you were not doing this job,what would you be doing? I think that I would be a PA or anevents organiser as I’m so organised. Iend up planning other people’sweddings for them!

What is your motto in life? Live for today!

Nisha TailorThe senior sales executive at Jetset Flights, aka

‘Naughty Nisha’, has the gift of the gab andloves to cook

What is your favourite mode of travel? Aeroplane. Promoting Jetset Flights, Ikind of have to say flights.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? I would love to fly so I can just bewherever I wanted, free as a bird.

What was your nickname at school and why? Naughty Nisha – that would betelling…

How do you deal with stress? I used to go out and party but now Igo to the gym and run, run, run….

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? Discounting - the best service shoulddeserve the booking, not just thecheapest price.

What special skill do you have? I would say that I have the gift of thegab.

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you? Halle Berry – intelligent, vivacious andindependent.

What do you love about your job? I like the fact that every day isdifferent. I’m meeting different peoplewho run different agencies andbuilding relationships with agents.Knowing that you have made adifference to them which in turnmakes them use your company is veryfulfilling and the people are great.

Career path● Sept 2006–present: Senior sales

executive at Jetset Flights

● Feb 2000–Sept 2006: Variouspositions at Travel 2 includingreservations and air productconsultant

“Ilike the fact

that every day isdifferent, meeting

different people whorun differentagencies…

personalitybulletin


S03a TB1105 News 3_Layout 1 09/05/2012 14:49


LOCATED BETWEEN the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa Natural Park in the Quinta do Lago estate, Monte da Quinta features acollection of 132 self-catering suites and a range of two and three-bedroom townhouses and villas, all with private pools. Three 18-hole championship golf courses are within easy reach on the adjacent Quinta do Lago estate, while tennis, mountain biking andwatersport facilities are all available nearby. From June 24-26 the resort will be hosting the Lawrence Dallaglio Foundation Golf 2012event for the second time. Prices lead in at £8,000 for a team of four which includes two days of golf on Quinta do Lago’s golf course,Laranjal; two nights' single occupancy stay; two gala dinners; a professional golf management service and live digital scoring; andentertainment and unlimited golf following the event. For details see www.montedaquintaresort.com

portugal&madeira

SUNVIL DISCOVERY has launched its 2012 'Real Portugal& Madeira' brochure, featuring a range ofaccommodation options and flexible itineraries to lesser-known areas of the country.

The operator has also announced that its exclusive flightto Beja in the heart of the Alentejo will continue, departingfrom Heathrow once a week.

New properties in the brochure include manor house Casado Sezim, set in its own vineyards just outside Guimaraes,the European Capital of Culture for 2012 and the five-starOnyria Marinha Edition Hotel & Thalasso near Cascais,which features a golf course that offers views over theAtlantic and Sintra mountain range.

The operator's product manager, Rosanna Melaragni,said: “We have always delved a little deeper into Portugal,venturing to little-known areas and focusing on characterfulpousadas and family-run properties. Our Alentejo

programme is a prime example – untouched and unknown, itoffers a beautiful landscape of sweeping plains dotted withcork trees and pretty whitewashed villages without thecrowds. Following the introduction of the Beja flight in 2011,we have added three new properties to the region for 2012,and are offering more of an insight into what to see and doin this fascinating area. New properties have also beenhandpicked in Madeira, Northern Portugal and Porto.”

As an example of prices, a three-night breakfast stay atthe newly featured Yeatman Hotel in Porto leads in at £563per person including flights and transfers. The five-starproperty is located on the south bank of the Douro, inpeaceful landscaped grounds.

All rooms offer unobstructed views over the river to thehistoric centre of Porto. For more information call 020-8758 4747 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

Sunvil Discovery launches 2012 Portugal & Madeira brochure

Monte da Quinta

S04 TB1105 Port & Madeira_Layout 1 09/05/2012 11:17


MARK WARNER has launched a‘Spring Sale’ offering discounts onselected holidays including its OceanClub and Sheraton Pine Cliffs resortsin Portugal between this month andAugust, with savings of up to 45%.

The company’s head of marketing,Tim Locke, said: “Our holidaysrepresent fantastic quality and valuefor money and we hope that travelagents get behind these excellentoffers which will appeal to customers

whether they are families, individualsor couples. We are offering somesignificant discounts which we areconfident will stimulate late bookingsfor spring and summer.”

As an example of prices, a six-nighthalf-board stay at Ocean Club in theAlgarve costs £650 per person,offering a saving of £326 per person.Departures are on August 5, 12 and 19from Gatwick and accommodation is invilla-style apartments. Child prices

(aged two-11) for the same week leadin at £625, offering a saving of £274.

All prices include flights, transfers,accommodation, dining as stated,fitness and activity programmes,sailing and windsurfing with tuition,tennis facilities, childcare and eveningcreche options. For more information call 0844-273 6826, [email protected] or visit www.markwarner.co.uk

Spring sale from Mark Warner offers discounts of up to 45%

Carrier highlights latest package dealsCARRIER IS promoting a range of package deals inPortugal including a seven-night stay at Penha Longa Hotel& Golf Resort in Sintra. The deal includes reduced rates,complimentary golf and an early booking discount and isvalid from June 1 to September 4 when booked 30 daysprior to arrival.

Prices lead in at £845 per person, based on a June 21departure, which offers a saving of up to £260 per couple.

A seven-night stay at Sheraton Algarve Hotel & PineCliffs Resort includes daily golf and a free upgrade to half-board, based on stays until May 31.

Prices lead in at £960 per person for a May 15 departure,which offers a saving of up to £530 per couple. For more information or to book call 0161-492 1357 or visit www.carrier.co.uk

easyJet & Turismo de Portugalcelebrate Lisbon base launchEASYJET HAS opened its 23rd network base in Lisbon.

Filipe Silva, UK director, Turismo de Portugal, said:“The opening of the Lisbon base by easyJet is ofsignificant importance in the continued strengthening ofUK and Portugal relations. We’re excited to see that theBritish airline is committed to offering both businessand leisure travellers from the UK the fantastic servicesit is known for, and we are confident that this newinvestment will benefit the development of Portugal as atourism destination.”

The new base will increase Portugal’s connectivitywith the rest of Europe and will bring the total numberof European destinations operated by the airline to andfrom Portugal to 42. Currently British travellers can flyfrom the UK to four Portuguese locations: Lisbon, Porto,Algarve and Madeira.

The carrier expects to carry four million passengersto and from Portugal this year, and the new base willprovide a platform for further growth in Portugal in thecoming years. For more information visit www.visitportugal.com andwww.easyjet.com

portugal&madeira

Madeira Islands launches interactive blogCREATED TO provide an inside look at the views of thearchipelago, at the click of a button, ‘Your Madeira’ is a newinformative online platform which features 'need to know’information and the latest news from the destination. For details see www.yourmadeira.com

Sheraton Pine Cliffs


INNTRAVEL is offering an Alentejowalking holiday along a new long-distance trail that opens today (May 11).

The Rota Vicentina is a new long-distance Pedestrian Route in South-WestPortugal stretching from Cape St. Vincentto Santiago do Cacém, and a new Websitepromoting the route has been launchedat www.rotavicentina.com/en

There are two complimentary routes -the Historic Route and the Fisherman’sroute, both of which take in smallvillages and towns which showcase theessence of this deeply rural region and

its unique connection with the sea.Several sections of the Fisherman’sroute also coincide with the operator'sself-guided walking break, Along theCosta Vicentina.

Aside from the scenery, one of thehighlights of the holiday is theaccommodation; guests walk betweenthe hotels, while their luggage istransported in advance. Six differenthotels are featured in the itinerary,ranging from luxury ranch-style hotels topristine townhouses. Among them is theHerdade de Touril, which has recently

won ‘The Best Rural Hotel in Portugal’award in the Publituris Portugal TradeAwards – by a voting jury comprised ofinfluential personalities from the tourismand hospitality industries in Portugal.

A seven-night self-guided walkingbreak in Alentejo, including breakfast,four dinners, five picnic lunches, routenotes and maps and luggagetransportation, costs from £665 perperson, based on two sharing. Flights areextra. For more information call 01653-617000or visit www.inntravel.co.uk

Along the Costa Vicentina

Prestige Holidays offer a wide choice of hotels in Madeira and the Algarve to

suit your clients needs. From the larger resort hotels, to the more intimate

Quintas and rural properties.

We have many special offers including huge savings, free nights, room

upgrades, free golf and much much more. Why not call us for a quote?

Don’t forget Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

PORTUGAL & MADEIRA

Inntravel offers walking holidays along newly opened long distance trail

portugal&madeira


AGENTS CAN now book flight inclusive short breakpackages to Lisbon with Superbreak, meaning they canbook flights, accommodation and extras all in one placeand with ATOL protection. Flights are available with arange of low-cost airlines and hotels offer flexibledurations allowing agents to tailor what they book toeach customer.

The operator has also added a new hotel in Lisbon, thefour-star Hotel Florida. Located in the heart of the city,

the recently renovated boutique hotel is located close toshops, cultural sites and nightlife, in front of Marques dePombal underground station, which connects with allmajor transportation in the area.

A two-night breakfast package, staying over a weekendin October costs from £260 per person at the HotelFlorida, including flights with easyJet from Gatwick.For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agentsor call 0871-221 4444.

CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays hasintroduced the Porto Bay Serra Golfhotel in Madeira for summer.

The 1920s Art Nouveaux buildingbrings the total number of propertiesoffered by the operator on the islandsof Madeira and Porto Santo to 29.

The property, which is located inSanto da Serra, close to the PGA golfcourse, offers 22 bedrooms and suitesand has been the subject of a recentextensive refurbishment.

The operator is offering sevennights’ accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis from £706 per personin June including flights and privatetransfers. Keen golfers are alsooffered a golf package for £401 whichincludes up to six green fees at Santoda Serra golf course and one greenfee at Palheiro golf course withguaranteed start times and transfers.

The new property makes its debut in

the company’s new year-roundMadeira & Porto Santo brochure for2012/13, which is the first to mark theoperators 25th anniversary in 2013. Tocelebrate the new brochure, travelagents are being offered a £10 Marks& Spencer voucher per passenger onall sales to Madeira and Portugal thismonth.

The company’s head of purchasing,Gary Boyer, said: “We will becelebrating 25 years in business laterthis year. Madeira was our firstdestination and we are fiercely loyal toit. Our new Madeira brochure is thefirst to promote our silver anniversaryin 2013. What’s more we are using ourfavourable relationship with highlyprofessional hoteliers to secure asmany special offers as possiblemaking the island, which is already atleast 30% cheaper than many othershort-haul destinations, an unbeatable

value for money resort. And withcustomer feedback remainingamongst the highest for any of ourdestinations, we are confident thatMadeira will maintain its position asone of the most well-loved holidaydestination on the UK market.”For more information or to book call0800-008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

Classic Collection adds new Madeira property The Porto Bay Serra Golf Hotel

Superbreak adds new flight-inclusive packages & new hotel in Portugal


portugal&madeira

Attraction World highlightsZoomarine experience in the AlgarveFAMILIES VISITING the Algarve can experience aneducational day out at the Zoomarine Park in the Algarveby pre-booking tickets with Attraction World.

Open from now until October, the attraction is ideal forcustomers staying in and around Albufeira as the park isjust a few kilometres away from the resort.

Visitors can watch dolphins, seals, sharks, turtles,exotic birds, seabirds, alligators and tropical fish. Thepark also features restaurants, shops, amusements andswimming pools.

The tour is fully commissionable to agents and costs£27 per adult and £18 per child, aged five-ten.For more information see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

Your Car Hire eases hassle of toll roadsYOUR CAR Hire reports that the Portuguese government hasrecently changed the way it manages the use of some of themain roads in the country such as the A22, A23, A24 and A25.

These roads will no longer be free to travel on and will incura fee. However, they will only have overhead gantry systems,and will not have toll booths or machines where you can pay asyou go. Car hirers will therefore have to pay for the tolls at thePost Office within 48-hours of use or incur a fine.

However, the operator is using suppliers who haveelectronic devices for hire on collection of the vehicle, for aminimal fee, whereby the hirer will be debited automaticallyfor the tolls incurred from their bank account or by pre-loading an amount onto the machine, avoiding costly finesand queues at the post office.For more information visit www.your-carhire.com

THE RADISSON Blue Resort & Spa Portimao is scheduled toopen in the Algarve next month.

The luxury hotel will feature 192 bedrooms, a bar, tworestaurants, a conference centre, two swimming pools, a spaand tennis courts. For details see www.radissonblu.com/resort-spa-portimao

Meanwhile, the Conrad Algarve Resort is set to open this

autumn as the new Hilton Resort and Spa in Quinta do Lago. The luxury development, which spans more than

1,400sq.m will feature 158 guest rooms and suites designedto reflect a contemporary Portuguese style. The grounds willinclude themed gardens, swimming pools and a spa andhealth club. For more information see www.conradhotels3.hilton.com

Algarve welcomes new property launches including new Hilton Resort & Spa


W E HEAR so much about all the problems going on in the Middle East, why would anyone want to spend their holidays there?

Well actually, the Middle East is a huge area and whilstundoubtedly there have been troubles in some destinationsthere are lots of areas untouched by the troubles that offergreat holiday experiences, guaranteed good weather andvery often at very affordable rates.

A personal recommendationTake for instance Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt. Of coursethere have been issues in Cairo and in some other citiesacross the country, whereas Sharm has been totallyuntouched by these incidents and is an oasis of calm,makes an ideal year-round holiday and rates have neverbeen better. In fact, I’ve recommended it to a number ofindustry colleagues and family who have stayed at ourGrand Rotana Sharm el Sheikh in recent months and hadthe best holiday ever.

Head to Dubai and you’ll find it is booming these days;full of life, lots of activities to do with luxury at veryaffordable prices - it can be whatever kind of holiday youwant it to be. It’s a city break, it’s a family holiday, it’s amecca for sports fans and right across the region there aregreat concerts taking place such as Madonna performingin Abu Dhabi next month. Also, whilst there is anabundance of luxury four- and five-star hotels at excellentrates, there has been a growth in the mid-scale propertiesthat are always a level above anything you'll find in Europe.

New developmentsWhilst Dubai is already well known, Abu Dhabi isdeveloping into a destination in its own right. With itsbeautiful coastline and lively city, it is a wonderfuldestination with a host of activities for visitors to enjoy. Thedestination has also developed Yas Island with its F1 EtihadAirways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, a championship golfcourse and the ‘out of this world’ Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,all waiting to be discovered. As well as a number of newhotels opening along its coastline, Saadiyat Island, anotherof Abu Dhabi's natural islands, will unveil the Sheik ZayedMuseum, The Louvre Abu Dhabi and The Guggenheim AbuDhabi. With these new developments, Saadiyat Island is setto be one of the main cultural centres of the world.

Up and coming destinationsOther developing areas in the region are emirates such asRas al Khaimah and Fujairah which would make a greattwin-centre break with Dubai. Perhaps suggest your clientstake four or five days in Dubai then transfer to relax at anyof these two emirates, which are only 45-minutes or twohours respectively from Dubai - it’s also great way to upsellyour clients.

I have to say also that although Rotana doesn't have ahotel there yet (although plans are scheduled for one inSalalah soon), Oman is a beautiful country with very friendlypeople. I spent nearly two years out there, working at one ofthe top hotels in the region and I can certainly vouch for that.Muscat is fascinating and the country has so much to offer.

Get your sporting fixI know I touched on it earlier but the gulf region has someof the finest sporting facilities you can imagine. You’ll haveseen that there have been some major sports events in theregion of late. The England- Pakistan cricket series tookplace in the Abu Dhabi and Dubai area earlier this year,and there have been major golf and tennis tournaments,not to mention the World Club football match, which washeld in Abu Dhabi recently. Many premiership footballteams also take mid-season breaks out there and don’tforget the rugby 7s. Whether your clients are into horse-racing or Formula 1 there’s something for everyone. The Middle East has so much to offer that it would be ashame for your clients to miss out, so give it the attention itdeserves - you won’t regret it. ✦

by CHRIS JARVIS, director of sales &marketing - UK, Rotana Hotels

New developments &major sporting eventshelp reignite interest


middleeast

S05 TB1105 Middle East_Layout 1 09/05/2012 15:12

MOSAIC HOLIDAYS reports an increase in Jordanenquiries with considerable support from the traveltrade. The operator has been investing heavily in agentsthrough its brochures, recently revamped Website,BRIGHT roadshows and educational trips, and says thatthis investment is now bearing fruit.

The company’s sales director, Darren Panto, said: “Wehave been approached by a number of high quality travelagents to work closer with them, and that is the type ofpartnership we are looking for.

“With the only dedicated Jordan brochure in themarket, our strong brand image is coming through, andJordan has a number of unique, high quality products fordiscerning guests – and that’s our strength.”

Meanwhile, the operator also reports increasedinterest in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Egypt.

In Abu Dhabi, the company is expanding its programmeas more high quality hotels come to the market and saysthat an increased number of new agents are booking withthem as the market becomes more competitive andclients are becoming more demanding. The operator also

reports an excellent recovery in the number and qualityof holidays to Dubai, and this includes twin-centreholidays with the operator’s other Indian Oceanprogramme including Sri Lanka.

As an example of offers, a five-night breakfast stay at thefive-star Al Qasr – Madinat Jumeirah, departing on September18 and including flights and transfers, leads in at £1,739 perperson, offering a saving of 20% off the normal price.

In Egypt the company reports slow but steady demand.The operator’s managing director, Sabina Shaida, said:“We had no calls from worried people and I think manytravellers to Egypt are pretty savvy. We’ve had a positiveresponse from agents booking high value classical Egyptholidays, and re-assure them regarding Cairo.

“Clients are having a great time, seeing the sights, andmissing all the crowds at the major tourist attractions.There isn’t the volume of people at sites such as Luxorand Karnak, Cairo and Alexandria, and this is great fortourists.”For more information call 020-8574 4000 or visitwww.mosaicholidays.co.uk

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa in Dubaiunveils new watersports centre THE JEBEL Ali Golf Resort & Spa in Dubai has unveiled anew watersports centre following the announcement of apartnership with Watercooled.

New activities include dinghy sailing, catamarans andyoga on stand-up paddle boards.

The resort's general manager, Fredrik Reinisch, said:“The new cutting-edge watersports centre has made anoutstanding addition to the facilities at our resort. Wepride ourselves on being a family resort and believe ourpartnership with Watercooled adds to our resort ethos.The contemporary and fun design of the centre plusexpert tuition, high calibre equipment and welcomingstaff, makes the club a very popular place to enjoy,participate and relax in.”For more information visit www.jebelali-international.com

Mosaic Holidays reports increased demand for Jordan and Dubai

DESERT PALM in Dubai has unveiled five new Polo Suites,bringing the total number of rooms and villas to 38. The suitesfeature floor to ceiling windows, outdoor terrace areas, fullyloaded iPods to cater for a range of musical tastes, flat-screenTVs and Nespresso machines. Daily rates start from US$390 ona room-only basis, based on two people sharing.For details see www.desertpalm.ae

middleeast


Attraction World highlights Dubai shopping tour

ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting a morning shoppingtour in Dubai, which picks up from a range of hotels andleads in at £27 per adult and £19 per child, aged three-11 years. For more information visit www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

QATAR AIRWAYS unveiled its newBoeing 787 seats at the recentArabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.

The first of 60 aircraft arecurrently on order, due for deliverythis summer.

Business Class is configured 1–2–1featuring seats that convert into fullyflat horizontal beds, while Economy

Class has a 3–3–3 cabin layout. Key features include an iTouch

control unit, more than 1,000 movieprogramming and audioentertainment options, an iPort, USBport, remote data outlet, a customdesigned culinary offering andstorage space - all available in bothcabin classes. As part of its 2012

expansion programme, the carrier haslaunched flights to a further 11destinations – Zagreb (launched lastweek); Perth from July 3 and othercities during the year, includingMombasa, Zanzibar, Helsinki, Gassim,Belgrade, Erbil, Baghdad, Kilimanjaroand Yangon.See www.qatarairways.com

Qatar Airways showcases Boeing 787 Dreamliner for summer delivery


At Rotana, we have chosen to acknowledge how precious time isto you by making all time spent with us, Treasured Time. This means

that we pledge to understand and meet the individual needs of all our guests. In so doing, we have evolved our product brands to include,

Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Centro Hotels by Rotana and Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana.

Treasured Time.Our promise to you.

P.O. Box: 43500, Abu Dhabi, UAET: +971 (0)2 644 4412, F: +971 (0)2 644 4413, [email protected]



EMIRATES AIRLINES has announced plans to introduce asecond daily non-stop flight from Glasgow to Dubai, fromJune 1, following continued growth in demand for theairline’s service between the two destinations.

The additional flight, coupled with an aircraft upgrade onthe existing service, will increase the carrier’s capacity toand from Glasgow by 47% - an extra 398 seats per day, andwill also see the introduction of a First Class cabin on bothdaily services, the first time this has been offered by acommercial airline from Scotland.

The company’s vice president UK & Ireland, LaurieBerryman, said: “The introduction of a First Class cabin onboth daily flights means greater choice for passengers, andincreased cargo capacity means more export businessopportunities for cargo shippers in Scotland.”

The airline will also add more than 2,000 seats a week toand from Newcastle when it introduces a larger aircraft onits daily flight to Dubai from September 1.

A 428-seat Boeing 777-300ER, the longest aircraft tooperate from Newcastle, will replace a 278-seat Airbus A330-200 on the route - a capacity increase of more than 50%.

Meanwhile, Emirates Tours is offering a three-night

package at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Residences in Dubai from£749 per person, which offers a saving of up to £230 percouple.

The offer, which must be booked by June 30, is based ontwo people sharing a Studio Deluxe Sea View room withbreakfast and includes Economy Class flights with Emiratesfrom Gatwick. It is valid for travel between June 15 to July 15and August 11-31.

The company is also offering Formula One fans the chanceto secure a range of tailored packages to the Abu DhabiGrand Prix in November when booking by May 31.

As an example of prices, a four-night Abu Dhabi GrandPrix Package at Jebel Ali Hotel in Dubai costs £1,679 perperson, based on two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

All packages include Economy Class flights from Gatwick,a three-day ticket for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (valid forNovember 2, 3 and 4) in the North, West or MarinaGrandstands with an early booking saving of £320 per couple,transfers and daily coach transfers from the hotel to theGrand Prix circuit.For more information call 020-7590 1450 or visitwww.emiratestours.co.uk and www.emirates.com/uk

PAGE & MOY reports that despite salesbeing down across a number of countriesin the Middle East, customer confidenceis making a comeback and signs for 2013and 2014 are positive.

The company’s head of sales, ColinWilson, said: “The Middle East has hadits toughest ever period, since the ArabSpring revolution and we have certainlyseen tourism to these destinationssuffer in 2012.

“Sales for Egypt for example are downyear on year, however the region nowseems to be in recovery and destinationssuch as Israel and Jordan are

performing really well, with salesactually up 4% year-on-year.

“Looking into 2013 I would certainlysay that the Middle East is very much‘open for business’. Customer confidenceis growing and I predict that regions thathave suffered will see a return toprevious sales levels by 2014, if we investin giving the region our support.

“The region's sightseeing is superb,the standard of accommodation, food andservice is generally high and thefriendliness, hospitality and welcome ofthe locals is warm. With this,opportunities exist for more product

development across the region and Iexpect to see a lot more from Arabiaincluding Oman, Dubai and Lebanon.”

Travelsphere offers eight day tours ofIsrael from £899 per person, a seven-day “Treasures of Jordan” tour from£1,099 and an eight-day tour of Egyptfrom £899.

Meanwhile, Just You is offering aneight-day tour of Jordan from £1,739and an eight-day ‘Pyramids & NileCruise’ tour from £1,449. For more information visitwww.justyou.co.uk andwww.travelsphere.co.uk

Page & Moy optimistic for 2013 bounce back

Emirates Airlines doubles Glasgow service to Dubai from next month

Jordan

middleeast

INTREPID TRAVEL is offering 25% offselected trips in Turkey and the MiddleEast throughout this month and next.

As examples, an eight-day ExploreJordan itinerary costs from £480(excluding flights), for departures on

June 2 and 23. The tour offers a mix ofmodernity and ancient wonders andtakes in the city of Amman, Wadi Rum,the ruins of Petra and a trek to theremote hilltop village of Dana.

An eight-day Explore Lebanonitinerary leads in at £525 (excludingflights), with departures on June 9 and30 and explores Beirut's cafes, bars, artsscene and Roman temples.

Spaces for both tours are limited andbookings must be made by June 1.Agents need to quote promo code 8905for the discount. For more information or to book visitwww.intrepidtravel.com

Intrepid Travel offers 25% off selected Jordan & Lebanon itineraries


FUNWAY HOLIDAYS, which hasrecently included theInterContinental Abu Dhabi to itsprogramme which offers free half-board when guests stay a minimumof seven nights, reports that it hasseen an increase in stop-overs.

The company's Middle Eastproduct manager, Malcolm Davies,said: "We have noticed an increasein the interest of stop-overs in othereast destinations on the way toDubai, Abu Dhabi or Oman.Generally sales are steady in termsof confirmed direct bookings."

The operator is offering a range of

deals and discounts for Dubai, AbuDhabi and Oman, including freenights and rate discounts at the LeMeridien Abu Dhabi, as well assimilar offers available in Dubai witha number of hotels also includingfree upgrades to half-board.

As an example of prices, a four-night stay at the four-star LeMeridien Abu Dhabi, includingflights with Oman Air, leads in at£635 per person based on two adultssharing. The price includes one freenight, a 40% room rate discount andtransfers and is based on a June 20departure.

For more information or to book visitwww.funway4agents.co.uk or call0844-557 4242.

Funway Holidays sees increased demand for stopovers

InterContinental Abu Dhabi


middleeast

ANANTARA HOTELS, Resorts & Spas is set to launch its first city hotelin the Middle East, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, nextmonth. Occupying a prime position along a 1.2km stretch of AbuDhabi’s protected Eastern Mangroves District, the new five-starproperty will be home to the UAE’s largest hammam and VIP suite,The Royal Mangroves Residence, and will feature 222 guestrooms andsuites across five levels. Other facilities include three restaurants andbars including a Thai speciality restaurant, a rooftop lounge, a spa,ballroom and conference facilities.For details email [email protected] or visit www.anantara.com

STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts has signed an agreementwith United Arab Emirates-based conglomerate, Al HabtoorGroup, to open three luxury hotels in Dubai.

Located in the Dubai International Financial Centre andBusiness Bay areas, the development will include the firstSt. Regis hotel in Dubai, a W Hotel and a new Westin, adding1,675 rooms to the city when they open in 2017.

The development will feature an entertainment venue

surrounded by landscaped gardens on more than500,000sq.ft of land.

The company currently operates 15 properties in Dubai,representing the second largest concentration of thecompany's hotels in a single city outside of New York. Itoperates close to 50 hotels in the Middle East, including 23hotels in the UAE and is set to open more than 30 hotels inthe region over the coming years.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts signs deal on three Dubai properties

Dubai welcomes tourism surgeOFFICIALS AT the Dubai Department of Tourism &Commerce Marketing (DTCM) have announced figuresoutlining the local tourism industry’s performance in thefirst three quarters of last year.

Dubai hotels played host to a total of 6.64millionguests during that time, up by 11% compared to thecorresponding period in 2010.

Guest nights rose by 26% over the period to reach23.9million, while the average length of stay increasedby 14%. Revenue at hotels in the emirate also increasedby 19% to AED10.96 billion.

ONYX HOSPITALITY Grouphas been appointed by GulfTrading and ContractingCompany (GTC) to operate a120-room hotel in theQatari capital, Doha, whichis scheduled to open inSeptember.

The company’s presidentand CEO, Peter Henley, said:“This project will be the firstAmari property in the MiddleEast. It is a significantmilestone for us and we planto bring the personalisedguest services andexperiences that are a keyattribute of the Amari brandto the region. Amari Dohawill provide genuine Asian

hospitality with a moderntwist.

“Business travellers willenjoy premium quality,convenience and thoughtfulconsideration through ourcreative corporate packagesand thoughtfully designedmeeting spaces. Leisuretravellers too will experienceAmari Doha’s unique style,exceptional service andleisure facilities whilst alsobeing encouraged to enjoythe local places of interest.”

The 13-storey propertywill feature 120guestrooms, including 78superior rooms, 36 deluxerooms and six suites.

September launch for Amari Doha

SUNSET FARAWAY HOLIDAYS is officially sellingFormula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix packages where guestscan experience the action on the Yas Marina circuit froma choice of packages.

As an example of prices, a four-night breakfast stay atthe five-star InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel leads inat £1,889 per person including flights, transfers, airporttaxes and three days’ Grand Stand passes. For more information visit www.sunset.co.uk or call 020-8774 7100.

Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prixpackages from Sunset Faraway


R EGIONAL AIRPORTS have been going through a tough time over the past few years due to the difficult economic climate, and Cardiff Airport is no

different. At present the aviation industry is facing many challengesrelated to the economy, high fuel prices, high costs of AirPassenger Duty (APD) and the forthcoming European Unioncarbon charging scheme. These and other factors can dampendemand and increase risks.

How airlines choose airportsAn airline will only serve a region if they think it will beprofitable, and if the region fits in with its overall strategicobjectives. In addition if an airline has large scale operationswith good economies of scope and scale from a competitiveairport, it is even more challenging to persuade them to moveor fragment their operation to another airport without thefinancial risks being covered.

Airline and route developmentThe Cardiff Airport route development team are pitching toairlines weekly in an effort to convince them of the demandand opportunities available to serve the South Wales market.The airport is proud to have attracted three new airlines oroperators to the airport over the past year, namely:● Vueling – have been operating Barcelona flights from March

and will launch Alicante and Palma flights from June● Cosmos – selling Orlando package holidays from May● Helvetic Airways – have been operating flights to Zurich

since March 2011

However, to ensure these new routes are successful, inboundand outbound seats must be sold to demonstrate demand forthe services from the region.

In addition to working to attract new airlines, it’s alsoimportant to focus on our current operations. There is a verystrong charter market and load factors from Cardiff Airport onscheduled services have strengthened. Inbound traffic has alsoincreased over the past year, and naturally inbound traffic ismore beneficial to Wales and the Welsh economy.

Regional benefits For some destinations there is not enough demand fromregional markets to make the route viable as a direct service.

However these routes can be served from regional airports vialarger hubs, and this is an important market from CardiffAirport.

The KLM offering via Amsterdam Schiphol, Flybe/Air Francevia Paris, Aer Lingus via Dublin and now Vueling via Barcelona,means most destinations can be reached from Cardiff via one-stop, connecting flights – and when every factor is taken intoaccount a connecting flight from a local, regional airport canoften be quicker, more convenient and cost-effective thantravelling from London directly to the chosen destination.

Working with agentsSouth Wales is a very strong region for travel agents, and it’simportant for the local airport to have a good workingrelationship with agents within the catchment.

Communication tools such as newsletters and electronic e-shots are useful to keep local agents updated with the latestnews and developments. The airport also runs numerousincentives in conjunction with tour operators, with prizes suchas hospitality at concerts, race days and spa days to treatagents who have achieved their targets and assisted in drivingsales through their local airport.

Working with agents on car parking and executive loungestrategies is also an important element of the airport’spartnership with travel agents. The airport’s commercial teamare always open todiscussions on new ways inwhich we can assist agentsin driving sales through theirlocal airport. A small,regional airport has moreflexibility and opportunities totrial new ways of working.

Commission opportunitiesand commercial deals canbe offered for travel agentsto sell the executive lounge,and car parking rates canalso be offered to agentsdepending on volumes andcommercial terms.✦

For more information e-mail [email protected]

by CATRIN ELIS, senior marketing &

PR executive, Cardiff Airport

Regional airports: the

benefits of flying local


ukairports

S06 TB1105 UK Airports_Layout 1 09/05/2012 11:38

Holiday Inn Manchester Airportlaunches Park, Stay & Fly ClubHOLIDAY INN Manchester Airport has unveiled a Park, Stayand Fly Club, located a few minutes away from the airport.

The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a leisureclub with air-conditioned gym, indoor heated pool, restaurant,Wi-fi, regular transfers to the airport and secure parking.

With the new service members can benefit from the bestrates when booking, as well as flexibility that allowscancellations up to 4pm on the date of the stay.

Discounts, including 25% off food and drink, plus 30-minutes of free internet access, are also offered to members,as well as the opportunity to earn priority reward points andtake advantage of a loyalty scheme which means that fromtheir sixth stay guests will receive a further 15% discount.For more information visit www.qmh-hotels.com/parkstayfly orcall 01625-889988


ukairports

FREE SHOPPING service from HolidayExtras.comHolidayExtras.com’s customers who book into one of thecompany’s airport lounges can now benefit from the freeservices of a personal shopper.The company has added the new service to three of its UKairport lounges.At Heathrow, travellers who book into a No.1 lounge can nowbe guided around the airport’s range of shops and seek outgifts and duty-free deals, and at Gatwick guests can opt forone-to-one assistance in the World Duty Free store and pick upmoney-off vouchers. Travellers can book a VIP treatment at any of the threelounges from £15 per person.

MAG, THE owner of East Midlands Airport, and MonarchAirlines have announced an agreement to introduce flightsto Malaga, Alicante, Palma and Faro from late summer.

The new flights will cover most of the destinations toSpain and Portugal affected by the closure of bmibaby fromSeptember, which was announced by its owners, IAG.

MAG's chief commercial officer, Ken O'Toole said:"There's no doubt that passengers seeking winter sun fromEast Midlands Airport will welcome this news fromMonarch. Whilst we’re sorry to see the closure of bmibaby,Spain and Portugal are extremely popular destinations withour passengers and we were very keen to ensure that wewere able to provide this. We are delighted that MonarchAirlines is taking advantage of this opportunity and I amsure they will be a successful and popular operator.”

Commenting on the announcement, managing directorof Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said: “As opportunitieshave opened up in the market, it has become clear that theMidlands will be underserved as a region in the future.

“The launch of operations from East Midlands makesperfect sense for Monarch, and accelerates the strategy weannounced last year to focus on the development of ourscheduled operations into key leisure destinations acrossthe Mediterranean, the Canaries and North Africa

“The further expansion of our services from the Midlandswill provide even more customers with choice and flexibilityand protects jobs at East Midlands Airport in the future."

The airline will unveil details about its schedule andtimetable over the coming weeks.

MAG & Monarch Airlines announce new base at East Midlands Airport

CARDIFF COUP…Vueling will be operating flights to Barcelonathree times weekly from Cardiff and will be adding Alicante andPalma, both also available three times weekly, to its Cardiffoperation from the end of next month. Pictured marking the newservices are, from the left: Alex Cruz of Vueling with Patrick Duffyand Spencer Birns of Cardiff Airport.

Summer schedule takes off at LCALONDON CITY Airport has commenced its summer schedulewith the addition of new routes from partner airlines, offeringmore choice to business and leisure travellers.

New summer routes include Brest and Quimper in Brittanyand Angers in the Loire Valley, which brings the total numberof French destinations served by the airport to 12.

British Airways begins its flights to Quimper and Angersfrom May 25, while CityJet will be increasing its twice-weeklyservice to Brive to five times weekly in July and August.

British Airways will also be introducing the island ofMenorca to its Balearic programme with flights to Mahonstarting on May 25 and the airport’s passengers can now takeadvantage of flights to Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza and forleisure purposes. The airline has also announced the launch offlights from London City to Venice in Northern Italy, whichbegins in September. This brings the total of destinationsserved by BA from the airport to 22.

Meanwhile, twice daily flights to Basel in Switzerlandresume from May 21 with Swiss International Airlines andflights to Scotland have received a boost with CityJetintroducing an additional rotation by increasing its dailynumber of flights to and from Edinburgh as well as launchinga late night Sunday flight from London City to facilitatedomestic travel from the capital.



Manchester takesthe next steps toembrace mobiletechnology DIGITAL AGENCY, KMPDigitata, has created andimplemented a mobilefriendly site to cater forall major smartphones,and brings the key areasof the ManchesterAirport Website on tomobile.

The company wasbrought on board by theairport to deliver the nextsteps in the road towardsa consistent multi-channel experience forairport customers.

The agency identifiedthat iPhone and Androidare the largestpenetration devices forthe airport’s audience,and that currently muchof its content consumedaround the airport iswhile a user is in transitor in the airport.

The mobile site, whichwill complement theexisting iPhone app,allows users to accesslive flight information,full timetable informationand airport maps fromtheir smartphone.

Gatwick calls for better rail links to compete with HeathrowINDUSTRY EXPERTS, Arup, has published a new report, “Supporting UK growth andglobal market access: the case for high quality rail services to Gatwick Airport”, whichoutlines a vision for ensuring that the UK’s busiest rail network and its second largestairport are properly integrated, supporting the UK’s future international connectivity andthe needs of the commuter.

The company says that if Britain is to compete on a global stage it must have strongair links to the emerging markets. The UK trades about 20 times as much withcountries with daily (or better) direct flight connections as it does with countries withpoor connectivity. Gatwick currently operates at around 78% capacity so is able toaccommodate more flights and support the economic wellbeing of the UK. The airporthas already opened new routes to key trading partners, including direct routes to China,Hong Kong, South Korea and Vietnam. Rail links however are critical to attracting newairlines and research shows that airlines rate surface access to an airport as one of thetop three critical reasons for locating there.

Commenting on the report, Guy Stephenson, the airport’s chief commercial officer, said:“Passengers’ journeys from plane to train to the heart of London from Gatwick are thefastest and most convenient of all London airports and airlines are choosing to operatefrom Gatwick because of our connectivity to London.

“However, the report shows that a passenger’s impressions of Gatwick’s rail links lagbehind other London airports and the capabilities of the trains on the Gatwick Expressrank below equivalents at Heathrow, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Stockholmairports. We have the capacity to handle more flights and strengthen our country’s tradelinks with emerging markets. But if Gatwick is to continue attracting the new routes theeconomy needs, its rail links must improve in quality and extent.”

The report also proposes that any new proposed rail franchise should seek to caterfor the needs of air passengers and commuters in the South East, and should requirerail links to and from Gatwick to be improved. In particular, any new operator mustprovide a direct, express rail link to London with new carriages and re-introduce an on-board ticketing service.

Meanwhile, Gatwick Airport’s efforts to keep passengers informed with up-to-theminute details during disruptive weather, flight delays and everyday airport activity hasbeen recognised by Twitter. The airport is the first UK airport to be listed as a trustednews source with Twitter’s ‘blue tick’ of authority – a social media honour given toprofiles to authenticate that a legitimate source is authoring Tweets.

Lindsay Baldwin, head of airport communications, said: “We recognise theimportance of providing accurate and timely communication – not only during times ofdisruption but also in responding to broader enquiries or passenger feedback. Twitterprovides us with an immediate and effective communications platform to do just thisand we thank them for their support of our efforts.”

ukairports

LIVERPOOL JOHN Lennon Airport has welcomed the addition of a new ‘Aspire by Servisair’ airport lounge. The new facility has beendesigned to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers with the addition of carefully designed side tables within the seatingareas, to facilitate laptop, iPad or gaming console charging facilities. The lounge seats up to 97 passengers – twice as many as the airport’sprevious executive lounge, and offers a complimentary menu, including hot food, snacks, treats, drinks and free Wi-fi. Bookings can bemade in advance at www.executivelounges.com/aspire or by turning up on the day at reception. Entry costs £17.49 for adults and £9.99 forchildren under 12 when booked in advance.


Luton identifies opportunities for growthTHIS YEAR has seen the announcement of a further seven new flights fromLuton Airport, bringing the total number of destinations available at the airportto more than 100 across three continents.

The new flights are to Rome with Monarch; Ljubljana in Slovenia with AdriaAirways; Keflavik in Iceland, Heraklion and Corfu with easyJet; Alghero inSardinia with Ryanair; and Hungary with Wizz Air, which launches on June 18.

The airport is currently undergoing improvements to the central terminalarea, drop-off zone and short term car park in order to improve flow andcapacity. Additional passenger security lanes have also been introduced in theterminal to increase efficiency of security at peak times.

With long term growth in mind, London Luton Airport Operations Limited, theoperator of the airport, has carried out a detailed study of opportunities forgrowth, which have been used for creating a sustainable plan to make Lutonbetter and bigger.

These include the phased development of Luton over the next 15 years tofacilitate growth in passenger numbers and airline demand; growing thenumber of passengers from nearly 10million to 15-16million per year over thenext 15 years; and turning Luton into 'London’s Local Airport' through continualimprovement of transport links with the capital, caring for the local environmentand community we live in and providing sustainable jobs locally.

The three main components of the proposed initial development phase wouldinclude improvements to the terminal building through the construction of anew pier and a new layout which can be achieved through extension works thatwon’t disrupt the running of the airport; extending the taxiway to increase thenumber of aircraft movements, creating new aircraft stands, and upgradingexisting ones; and constructing two new traffic lanes to the south of 'AirportWay', leading into a newly created set down system in the central terminal area,which will ease congestion and manage growth in the future.

If approved, work on the initial development phase could start as early as nextyear or 2014.

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What do you miss mostabout being a kid?

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Where Am I?: Waterford

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PASS WITH Flying Colours…staff at the Yorkshire Premier Airport Lounge, LeedsBradford Airport, are celebrating winning an award for their friendly service, customerinteraction and helpful product knowledge after they won the 'Best Staff' category of thePriority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards, decided by the members of Priority Pass.Pictured is Sophie Brown (left) from LBA presenting the award to Kayleigh Beardow andCalum Burrows from Yorkshire Premier Lounge. Meanwhile, the airport is celebratingthe introduction of flights to Sharm el Sheikh from November 8 with Thomson Airwaysand is giving away Sharm el Sheikh cuddly camels to agents across the region.

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Travel Bulletin 11th May 2012

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Transcript of Travel Bulletin 11th May 2012