Travel Bulletin 26th October 2012

Operators add new optionson back of booking boost

Red Sea

October 26 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,800 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

cruising is ACEwhy it's time for us allto be thinkingdifferently

brainstorm bulletindiscover how otheragents get clients totake out travelinsurance

accommodation-onlyHoseasons launchesnew 'Daisy Door'range for 2013

8 2713this week

rail focus

a round-up of the latest deals& new itineraries

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FIORD FRIENDS...Anzcro UK recently took a group of agents on a fam to New Zealand. Pictured taking in DoubtfulSound in Fiordland National Park are, from the left: Gillian Hartigan, Howard Travel; Christine Caldwell,Dorchester Travel; Alan Oram, The Travel Shop; Anneka Bones, Southern Cross Travel; Caroline Houghton,Travelplaces and Kathy May, Fred Olsen Travel.This Week

3 newsindustry updates, the latestoffers & new productlaunches

8 cruising is ACEwhy it’s time for us to all bethinking differently

9 agent bulletinnew travel agent photocompetition from BrandUSA

11 puzzle bulletincomplete the crossword foryour chance to win a £50Pizza Express voucher

12 agent reviewfind out what one agentthought of his 'Amazon tothe Andes’ trip

13 brainstorm bulletindiscover how other agentsget clients to take out travelinsurance

14 personality bulletinwhich business developmentmanager knows how tomake a good cocktail?

15 usaBA & Brand USA announcenew partnership

19 red seaoperators add new optionsfollowing boost in bookings

23 rail focusa round-up of the latestdeals & new itineraries

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Poll reveals Brits have 'No Interest' in making friends on holidayA POLL by www.sunshine.co.uk has revealed that the majority of British holidaymakershave no interest in making friends whilst away; with the majority preferring to keep tothemselves on holiday.

The poll was carried out as part of ongoing research into the holiday habits andpreferences of people around the UK, in a bid to find out more about the phenomenon of‘holiday friends’. A total of 2,107 British adults took part in the poll, each of whom hadbeen abroad on holiday in the last 12 months.

When asked, ‘Did you make friends on your last holiday abroad, outside of the groupyou were travelling with?’ less than one in ten (8%) said ‘yes’. All respondents wereasked what they thought of making friends on holiday; 51% said they had no interest,34% said they like to make friends and 15% were indifferent.

Of those who said they had no interest in making friends, 46% put it down to notwanting to get stuck with people for the duration of their holiday, while 22% said theywanted ‘alone time’ with the people they were travelling with, such as friends or familymembers. Some 71% of those who had made friends on their last holiday abroad saidthey didn’t stay in touch after the break.

NEW RESEARCH from www.bonvoyage.co.uk,which polled 2,146 Brits aged 30 and over, hasfound that in order to make them more likelyto go on a cruise holiday, the majority ofholidaymakers would like more UK portoptions for cruise departures.

Respondents were initially asked, ‘Have youbeen on a cruise holiday before?’ to which themajority, 78%, said ‘no’. Those that had statedthat they had never been on a cruise beforewere then asked to specify the reasons whyand the majority, 39%, stated that they couldn'tafford the combined price of flying to the portas well as the cruise holiday, whilst just over afifth, 21%, said it was because they 'couldn'ttake enough time off’ to fully enjoy the cruiseholiday that they wanted to go on.

A further 12% admitted that they had ‘neverconsidered’ the idea of going on a cruise,

whilst more than a quarter, 28%, declared thatthey weren't planning on going on a cruiseuntil they had retired.

Those polled were then asked to choose thereasons that would entice them to go on acruise from a list of possible answers. The topfive answers were more UK port departureoptions (62%), more all-inclusive fly/cruisepackages (49%), the option to stay in a cityovernight (31%), more long-haul destinationchoices from UK ports (28%) and personaliseditineraries (19%).

The majority (52%) of those who said thatthey would like to see more UK ports admittedthey would be more likely to consider cruisingif this was the case, whilst just under a fifth,19%, said that they would book a cruise fortheir next holiday if there were a larger varietyof UK port options.

Choice of UK ports influences Brits’ decision to take cruise

27 accommodation-onlyHoseasons launches new'Daisy Door' range for 2013

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TRAVELSPHERE HAS launched its new brochure for 2013under a new brand identity, bringing together the best ofthe previous Travelsphere and Page & Moy brands.

The new ‘Holiday Collection’ brochure offers itinerariesfrom £449 per person, including new European and long-haul itineraries to destinations such as Turkey, Indochinaand Patagonia, more exclusive excursions for guests anda migration of coach holidays to rail.

The company's sales director Colin Wilson said:“Trade sales have grown steadily for Travelsphere,recording a 34% growth in revenue and 14% growth inpassenger numbers in 2012 so far and we’re lookingforward to working closely with the trade to help themboost their sales through our exciting new brand.

"As well as our new brand identity and Holiday

Collection brochure, we’ll also be launching stand-aloneRiver Cruise and China brochures very soon and will besupporting agents further through activity includingincentives, fam trips and training.”

Examples of new tours added for 2013 include a 13-dayTreasures of China from £2,459 per person, an eight-dayTurkey’s Blue Coast and Gulet Cruise from £1,049, an 11-day Pousadas of Portugal from £1,299; and a five-dayWalking in the Ahr Valley by Rail from £529.

Prices include a tour manager, accommodation and achoice of excursions. A range of pre-bookable excursions,special departures, stop-overs or ‘extend your stay’options are also available.For details visit www.travelsphere.co.uk or call 0844-567 3319.

Travelsphere launches 2013 brochure under new brand identity

www.travelbulletin.co.ukOctober 26 20124

SHIP MATES...Major Travel recently hosted a group of agentsto the ‘Empress’ Pullmantur cruise ship in Dover. The dayincluded a ‘cruise clinic’ question and answer session,followed by a tour of the ship and a buffet lunch. Pictured are,from the left: Dawn Tompkins, Emma Hughes and NatashaJones from TUI with Andrew McKenna from Major Travel.For details visit www.majorcruise.co.uk

Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

● Moroccan National Tourist Office's latestoperator digest - detailing all the contacts fortourism in Morocco.Further details on 020 7437 0073

Mailbox

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

Titan issues Cruise & Tour and River Cruise 2013 brochuresTITAN HAS launched its new Cruise & Tour and River Cruise2013 brochures.

Free onboard credit of up to £200 per cabin is available,along with pre-paid gratuities included on selected itineraries.

Itineraries range from an 18-day Mighty Yangtze and Best ofChina tour, costing from £2,795 per person, to a musically-inspired ten-day Danube Symphony tour on MS Mozarperfect,which leads in at £1,595.

Included are excursions and meals, along with land staysand the services of a tour manager on the majority ofitineraries. Each holiday also includes flights and door-to-doortransfers as part of the operator’s VIP Home Departure Service. For more information visit www.titanagents.co.uk

RAINBOW TOURS has added two new small group tours inMadagascar for next year. An 18-day ‘Madagascar WildlifeDiscovery Tour’ offers the opportunity to discover a varietyof wildlife from many species of lemur to reptiles, frogs andinvertebrates, as well as to explore the island’s regions andflora. It is available forgroups of six to 12 anddepartures are betweenMay and December.Prices lead in at £3,945per person, includingflights, transport,accommodation, meals,entrance permits and atour leader. Also availableis a 12-night MadagascarWildlife Discovery ExpressTour, which costs from£3,350 and offers gueststhe chance to discoverMadagascar’s diversehabitats and wildlife.For details seewww.rainbowtours.co.uk orcall 020-7666 1250.

Rainbow Tours adds new options in Madagascar for 2013

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Holiday Autos launches free to phone campaignHOLIDAY AUTOS has introduced free phone numbers for its reservations and sales supportteams.

The move follows other developments made by the company this year, such as a clearerdisplay of the full-to-full petrol policy availability by car, a list of supplier names and detailsof on/off airport locations on its Website.The new reservations number is 0800-093 3210 and the new trade sales support number is0800-093 3222.

VILLA SELECT has launched its latest brochure showcasingnew properties for 2013/14.

The operator has increased its portfolio to include worldwidedestinations with new villas in the Far East, Central America,and the Caribbean.

Many of the villas are exclusive to the company and each hasbeen individually sourced and offers a maid service, luxuryhamper and a barbecue. All properties also offer a beachfrontlocation or view and private swimming pool.

As examples, new villas in Barbados include Coconut Ridge

which sleeps four and features a tennis club and swimmingpool. Prices lead in at £1,995 per week. Also in Barbados isMoon Reach which sleeps ten and leads in at £14,495 for theweek.

In Belize, ten new villas have been added to the operator'sportfolio including the Sapphire which sleeps four and costsfrom £2,695 for the week and Kulkulcan, which leads in at£5,695 for the week and sleeps up to six people.For more information visit www.villaselect.com or call 01789-764909.

JOURNEYS OF Distinction has launched aselection of new tours and new-lookbrochures for 2013/14.

The brochures now feature 22 Classictours, including four new UK tours, 29 Lighttours and new for 2013, all-inclusive toursto China, Kenya, Cuba and Egypt.

The luxury classic collection includes TheVery Best of Indochina, a 16-day journeyfollowing the Mekong River exploring Laos,Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as a ten-daytour to Shimla & the Foothills of the

Himalayas, where customers experience therituals and customs of an age old erathrough authentic India and the British Raj.New additions include a tour into Namibia,and a return into Japan, while four new UKtours have also been added which includeScotland, Ireland, Northern England andSouthern England.

The operator is currently offering allagents £50 Love2Shop vouchers forbookings made before November 30.For more information visit www.jod.uk.com

Journeys of Distinction introduces new brochures for 2013/14

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WINNING FORMULA...more than 1,000 travel agents took to the slopes in the last few weeks as part ofInghams' Ski Training roadshows. The events took place at Chill Factor in Manchester and TamworthSnowdome and agents participated in a ‘learn to ski’ taster session, as well as ski product training fromoverseas tourist boards. Agents also took part in an après-ski quiz which was won by Co-operative Travelfrom Manchester. Pictured from the agency are, from the left: Laura Taylor, Mark Coventry, Anne Muir,Eddie Jordan, Andy Reddington, Ian Lazarus and Beth Nealis.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@VisitBritain

Get in the ghostly spiritwith Halloween AfternoonTea at the RoyalHorseguards hotelhttp://bit.ly/QWnWyu

@LegerHolidays

Do you currently own anAndroid phone or tablet? Ifso, check out our new blogpost on the top 5 Androidapps...http://fb.me/1xLEzlUMj

@DERTOUR_UK

Visit Munich thisChristmas & check outsome of the 12 marketswhich sell traditional arts,crafts & tasty treats!http://bit.ly/XnQUe3

@Gatwick_Airport

A second runway atGatwick Airport - ourinfographic shows why itmakes sense:http://bit.ly/QrkFpr

@EurostarUK

Our new fleet is coming...Have a peek behind thescenes herehttp://bit.ly/RDDoiA

@1stclasshols

Canada 2013 Out Now!Our 'Complete Guide' &'Coach Tours' brochuresare out now.http://fb.me/XQLy4tyj

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

TravelBulletin

Villa Select adds Far East, Central America & Caribbean properties for 2013/14

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EXPLORE HAS introduced tours in Iraq, Kosovo and thePhilippines in its new Discovery brochure.

Until November 19, customers receive a 5% discount onany new tour, on top of any loyalty discount that they maybe entitled to.

An example of itineraries available is an eight-dayHighlights of Kurdistan tour, which visits the provinces ofErbil, Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah and costs from £2,991. Fivedepartures are planned from May to October next year andthe price includes flights, accommodation, most meals,transport and the services of a tour leader, local guide anddriver.For more information call 0845-291 4541 or visitwww.explore.co.uk/travelagents

PETER ISLAND Resort &Spa is offering customersthe chance to save up to£800 per couple on 2013bookings.

The resort, located inthe British Virgin Islands,is offering an early birddiscount for all newbookings made beforeNovember 30 for travelbetween January 4 andDecember 19.

As an example of prices,Caribtours is offering aseven-night stay from£1,475 per person, based

on two adults sharing anOcean View Room on aroom-only basis. Itincludes scheduled flights,transfers and use of alounge at Gatwick.

The resort, which is onlyaccessible by boat orhelicopter, offers a varietyof land and sea activitiesand clients can takeadvantage of the resort’s‘Island Buyout’programme for specialoccasions.For more information visitwww.peterisland.com

2013/14 Asia debut from SeaDream SEADREAM YACHT Club has announced that it will deployone of its twin mega-yachts, SeaDream II, to Asia for winter2013/14 after the completion of her summer 2013Mediterranean season.

The first of the ship's departures is a 15-night ‘Passageto the Far East’ voyage from Athens on October 12, 2013. Itincludes a transit of the Suez Canal plus excursions toEgypt’s archaeological sites en-route to Mumbai, as well asgovernment fees, handling & port taxes. Prices lead in at£4,050 per person.

From Mumbai, she will sail onwards via Cochin, SriLanka, and the Andaman Islands to Thailand beforeheading to Singapore. The 13-night trans-Indian Oceansailing costs from £3,995 per person.

The ship will visit almost every coastal country in SouthEast Asia, as well as visiting Northern Australia during asix-month programme including destinations in Thailand,Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor,Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and HongKong.For more information or to book call 0800-783 1373 or visit www.seadream.com

Early booking deals at Peter Island

Explore launches tours in Iraq, Kosovo & the Philippines


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CHUCKLE CHUMS...Superbreak recently treated some of its keytrade partners to a VIP night out to see Michael McIntrye, live atthe O2. Getting ready to enjoy the show are, from the left: Julia LoBue Said, leisure director at Advantage; John McEwan, chief execat Advantage and chairman of ABTA; Jane Atkins, sales director atSuperbreak; and Graham Balmforth, national sales manager atSuperbreak.

Newsbites● FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has improved the

e-tickets that it issues to its cruise guests.The e-tickets now provide detailed information oncheck-in times and the departure terminal foreach cruise as well as other information such asdress codes and themed nights.

● SKIERS TRAVELLING by train to Meribel in thethree Vallées ski region in France can now book anew minibus transfer initiative. The service meansthat skiers arriving on the daytime Eurostar SkiTrain will be met by a dedicated, shared transferfrom Moutiers station that delivers them to thedoor of their hotel or chalet for a fixed cost of €20,anywhere in the Méribel valley. To book visit www.3vt.co.uk or for moreinformation on how to travel to Méribel by train,visit www.snowcarbon.co.uk

● LUFTHANSA HAS announced it will commenceweekend summer services to Cardiff fromDusseldorf from May 4, 2013.

● WEBTRENDS HAS announced that Alitalia hasimplemented Optimize, a testing and targetingsolution which has helped increase onlinebookings by more than 7% in three months.

● PEGASUS AIRLINES has launched scheduledflights between Istanbul and Batumi, Georgia.

● GATWICK AIRPORT Limited is to commencedetailed work on the options for a new runway,which will be submitted to the IndependentCommission on Aviation Connectivity. Thesubmission will be consistent with the airport'scommitment to the 1979 legal agreement withWest Sussex County Council, which prohibitsGatwick from constructing a new runway before 2019.

● TAP PORTUGAL has launched its latest campaignthis autumn to promote its new daily flightschedule between Manchester and Lisbon fromOctober 28.

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Australia, NZ & South Pacific brochure from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 has unveiled its latest Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure for agents. The2012/13 brochure features 12 new hotels, 33 new tours and eight luxury itineraries throughoutthe regions, along with two round-the-world itineraries showcasing how the South Pacific can bebuilt into a larger trip.

In response to agent feedback, more self-catering and ‘affordable’ options have been added tothe brochure, including some self-drive itineraries.

Highlights include a 29-day Round the World Australia, New Zealand and South Pacificindependent tour, which includes two days' sightseeing in Singapore, a cruise around Sydneyharbour, a visit to the geothermal resort of Rotorua, a visit to the lagoons of Fiji and a stay at oneof LA’s classic Grande dame hotels.

Prices include flights, hotel accommodation, transfers, highlight dinners in Sydney and Uluruand touring by air-conditioned coach in New Zealand.

Agents can also offer clients the chance to tour Australia with Maui Motorhome and BritzCampervan from £18 per day (in low season), which sleep between two and six adults.For details of early bird savings and special offers call 0800-022 4302.

Weekly ski service to Swiss Alps from EurostarTHIS WINTER Eurostar is teaming up with TGV Lyria to launch a new weekly service betweenLondon and some of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts.

The new service will carry ski and snowboarding enthusiasts from St Pancras and Ashford tothe heart of the Swiss Alps and the Valais region from December 22 until April 13 next year.Resorts include Verbier, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Gstaad.

With a connection in Lille Europe on to a high-speed service, passengers will arrive at Aigle,Martigny, Visp and Brig stations for onward transfers to resorts. Ski passengers will also be ableto carry an extra item of luggage in addition to the normal luggage allowance at no extra cost.

Return fares start from £189 return, with Standard Premier fares from £299 which includesspacious seating as well as light meals and drinks.For more information call 0843-2186 186 or visit www.eurostar.com

Xmas marketgetaways with

CarrierCARRIER IS highlighting aselection of short breaksand Christmas marketsthat explore a range ofcities including Pragueand Marrakech.

Savings of up to £220per couple are availableat the Rocco ForteAugustine Hotel inPrague, where threenights for the price of twois offered, based on twosharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis. The priceincludes flights fromGatwick and transfers andthe offer is valid for travelfrom November 1–December 29, forbookings made by the endof this month. For details seewww.carrier.co.uk or call 0161-492 1374.

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by Andy Harmer,chairman of ACE

Cruising isJoin TV gardening expert CharlieDimmock with Fred. OlsenAS PART of its Vistasenrichment programme, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines iswelcoming TV gardening expertCharlie Dimmock on a cruiseto the Canary Islands next year.Charlie will offer keengardeners a wealth ofopportunities to visit gardensashore.

Braemar visits Funchal(Madeira), Santa Cruz (LaPalma), Santa Cruz (Tenerife),Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) andArrecife (Lanzarote). Braemar’s M1311 ‘The Gardens of Madeira & the Canaries’cruise departs from Dover on April 22 for 14 nights and guestsbooking by November 5 can benefit from the line's all-inclusivedrinks package, which includes beers, wine, spirits and softdrinks for £5 per person per night.

Prices start from £1,389 per person, based on two adultssharing an inside twin-bedded cabin, including all meals andentertainment on board plus port taxes. The cruise also offersan extra bonus of £100 per cabin free onboard spending creditfor ‘Outside’ grades and above, subject to availability.For details see www.fredolsencruises.com or call 01473-742424.

THE THEME for our events in 2012 has been ThinkDifferently – it has been a theme we have used fora series of seminars, and it was also the

dominating theme for our Selling Cruise Conference inSouthampton in May and our Columbus Day event inSeptember.

We chose the theme for three reasons. Firstlybecause the consumers that buy cruise holidays arechanging rapidly. The way in which they get theirinformation about holidays; the way in which theyinteract with business; and their expectations for theirnext holiday changes constantly. Add to that the everchanging economic situation in which we find ourselves,unpredictable world events, rapid progress intechnology and all of the social changes taking placeand we have a modern day consumer almostunrecognisable from previous years. So, we need toThink Differently to reach these customers simplybecause just working in the traditional way will notsuffice anymore.

The second reason is that when we switch land-basedholidaymakers to a cruise holiday we are askingcustomers to Think Differently about their next holiday.They are not used to the supreme value, quality, dining,enrichment, entertainment and destinations thatcruising offers (why would they?) and so it is our job asadvocates of cruise to ensure that we all work togetherto help raise the profile of this sector of travel.

And finally Think Differently is a theme that naturallysums up some of the incredible advances that are madeevery time a new cruise ship, a new port and itinerary,and a new onboard feature is added to the cruiseoffering. Cruise ship design and build is moving so fastwith exciting ships now being built including Princessand Norwegian Cruise Lines for launch in 2013, andthese will showcase the latest developments in design.That same innovation is to be found in all sectors,including river cruising, where new ships are also beinglaunched to ensure that it remains the fastest growingsector within cruise.

Of course Thinking Differently isn’t just about buildingnew ships; it is a business philosophy; a clear desire tostand out from the crowd, to embrace new technologyand thinking, and to use this to grow our sales and ourcruise business. In good times as well as those that aremore challenging we must seek out new opportunitiesto build our existing business. It is not always going tobe easy – but thinking differently never is.

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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Make sure you enter our weekly crossword,sponsored by The Holiday Team. Full details canbe found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of thisissue. You could be the lucky winner of £50 ofPizza Express vouchers. Send your entries towww.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword

● Missed our All About The Eastern

Mediterranean Supplement? You can still view itin digital format on www.travelbulletin.co.uk

● Destination Asia: Up to 50% hotel discounts andgreat incentives to be won on properties inChina, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singaporewith Travelcube.Go to www.travelcube.com.

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

Charlie Dimmock

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● TO CELEBRATE the launch of Villa Select's newbrochure (see page 5), all agents who make abooking by December 31 will automatically beentered into a prize draw for a place on theoperator's 2013 fam trip to one of the luxury villasin the collection.

● CLUB MED IS offering agents a £20 Love2Shopvoucher for any ski bookings made to PeiseyVallandry, Pragelato Vialattea and Valmorel, plus a£100 Love2Shop voucher for bookings to ValmorelChalets. The offer is available on bookings made byNovember 7. For details call 020-8780 8642 or seewww.clubmedtraining.com

● WESTERN & Oriental is running an incentiveprogramme in which agents can sign up to andreceive regular email updates on a range of offers.These include Love2Shop vouchers, the chance towin Oxygen Facials for Anassa Cyprus Bookings ortickets to the Manchester Derby football match forAbu Dhabi bookings using Etihad flights. See www.wandotravel.com

● PREMIER HOLIDAYS is offering agents the chance toearn Capital Bonds vouchers for every holidaybooking made, comprising of both accommodationand international flights, for a minimum of twopeople. The amount awarded is dependent on thedestination booked and the value of the booking. For details see www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7444.

Agent competitionBRAND USA has launched a travel agent photocompetition in the UK and Ireland. A bespokeWebsite, www.famphotousa.co.uk, has been builtfor agents to upload their photographs taken onrecent fam trips in the US. Travel agents have theoption to ‘like’ their favourite photos, generating apeer to peer social element. Photos can beuploaded from any US fam taken since January2011 and can be uploaded from a camera ormobile phone. Photos of landscapes, people oranimals taken in colour, black and white orInstagram are all welcome. The site allowsentrants to upload up to four photos, along withtheir details and locations of the photos. Allentries will be judged by professional photogra-phers and 12 winning agents will have their photosprinted in a new 2013 Brand USA desk calendar,which will be distributed to all travel agents. Theoverall winner will win a place on a megafam inspring 2013. The closing date is November 9 andwinners will be announced on the site onNovember 16.

FREE LIVING...Etihad Airways hasannounced the winner of its ‘Live Free For aYear’ competition, who was picked at randomfrom agents that booked a set number of ticketsduring one month. The £55,000 cash prizewent to Matt Parkhouse (second from left) ofWorthing-based specialist sports event travelagency, TravelPlaces. Pictured with Matt isthe carrier's cabin crew and Nick Warren,director at Travel Places.

It’s in thestars…

What’s in store for Scorpio?

PREPARE FOR a new adventure over the next fewweeks as you become increasingly independent and aremore fine tuned with what you want out of life. Youmight want to tone down your social life once in a while(even if it is your birthday!) as you run the risk ofbecoming ill. Use the time instead to reflect andrecharge your batteries. Towards the end of next monthyou'll find yourself even busier, particularly at work,but remember to take time out to have fun also.

Lucky day: Tuesday

Lucky number: 45


agentbulletin

Booking incentives

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Leger adds 23 new tours to 2013 European brochureLEGER HOLIDAYS has launched its special anniversary brochure to mark 30 years in operationnext year.

It features 23 new tours offering a range of four to 19-day tours taking in the highlights ofEurope and beyond. An extra three holidays have also been added to the Grand Explorer range of‘experience-more’ escorted touring holidays, as well as further cruise-based breaks, walkingtours and holidays timed to coincide with some of Europe’s must-see events.

Examples of new tours include Fire and Ice - the wonders of Sicily, Italy and Austria, where 16days taking in Pompeii and Mount Etna, contrasted with Europe’s largest glacier, Grossglockner,and the Krimml Falls, leads in at £1,399 per person. A 19-day Transylvania, Bulgaria and Best ofthe Balkans option is also new, taking in seven historic countries with prices from £1,649.

The operator is also extending its Silver Service package to more tours this year, which offersextra legroom, a rear lounge to relax, free personal headphones with DVDs and a choice of musicand porterage at all hotels.For more information or to book visit www.legerbreaks.info or call 0844-504 6250.

JET2.COM HAS announced its growth plans atGlasgow Airport including three newdestinations, an additional aircraft to be basedat the airport and more flights to key sundestinations for next year.

The carrier has put on sale flights to Murciawhich take off every Monday and Friday fromMay 24, 2013, with fares starting from £41 perperson. Flights to the Croatian resort of Pulaare also now on sale with weekly flightsstarting from June 18, and fares from £49,

while weekly flights to Menorca will operatefrom May 25, with fares from £41.

More than half a million seats are nowavailable for next summer - a 20% increase on2012, with increased frequency on flights topopular holiday hotspots including theCanaries, Mallorca, Ibiza and Turkey.

A fourth dedicated aircraft will also bepermanently based at the airport creatingmore than 50 new jobs. For more information visit www.Jet2.com

New Oman &Jordan tour fromJon Baines Tours

JON BAINES Tours haslaunched a new tour thatfollows the ancientfrankincense trade routethrough Oman andJordan and highlightshow the ingredientshaped the region.

The tour, which iscommissionable toagents and departs fromMarch 22-April 4 nextyear, starts in Muscatand travels to ancienttowns along the coast,before visiting Jordan.

Here guests visitdesert cities and UmmQais, Mount Nebo,Bethany and the desertlandscapes of Wadi Rum,finishing in Amman.For more information or tobook visitwww.jonbainestours.co.uk

0800 008 7288www.classic-collection.co.uk

MOROCCOinspiring exotic breathtaking

Affordable luxury holidays, private tours & twin centres

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Jet2.com adds three new destinations from Glasgow

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puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Cake with Raffles?

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, November 1st. Solution and new puzzle

will appear next week.

The winner for 12th October is Laura Yates, The Travel

House in Pembrokeshire.

October 12 Solution: A=6 B=8 C=4 D=3

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 086

Travagrams

Where Am I?

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted bythe blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword tosubmit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prizedraw and one lucky winner will win £50 Pizza Express vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday November 1st.

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

086

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

Sponsored By

THE HOLIDAY TEAM IS A CONSOLIDATOR PROVIDING BEST VALUE FLIGHTS & PACKAGE HOLIDAYSTO BOOK CALL 020-8843 4300; www.theholidayteam.co.uk

French word for duck and change one letter to find the name of this cruise line

This desert strip is a good place to make a million.

An Curd

Salsa Veg

Across 1. Operator, specialising in short stay holidays

in UK and Europe (10)5. Capital of Iraq (7)6. Largest US state (6)7. Ancient Egyptian goddess (4)10. Capital of Peru (4)12. P&O cruise ship (6)15. US city, sounds like a musical (7)16. Historic and picturesque German city and

castle (10)

Down 1. Bond is back in this movie showing at a

cinema near you (7)2. This city is Jordan's most visited tourist

attraction (5)3. Capital of Latvia (4)4. South American mountain range (5)5. Host city of the 2012 Eurovision Song

Contest (4)8. Prince William comes to the rescue in this

helicopter (3,4)9. Flows through Florence (4)11. One of the New England states (5)13. She sings the title song of 1 Down (5)14. Currency of South Africa (4)

Congratulations to Linda Myers, Hays Travel who won the 12thOctober crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

S03 TB2610 News 2_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:30

CostSaver brochure from Trafalgar TRAFALGAR HAS issued its 2013 CostSaver brochure forEurope & Britain, featuring 34 cost-effective trips, includingfive new itineraries across Italy, Spain, Britain and Germany.

The brochure offers the best features of the company's FirstClass programme (guided holidays with planned itineraries,the services of a travel director and luxury coach transport),but with more optional excursions and fewer inclusions, givingguests more free time and flexibility to choose what to do.

Overall savings of up to 30% are available versus the cost ofarranging an independent trip, with prices staring from £89per day. To help guests save more, the operator has enhancedits 10% early payment discount for 2013, which offers guestssavings of up to £618 on 2013 CostSaver itineraries (land-only)booked and paid by December 27. Previous guests can alsosave more by combining the 10% early payment discount witha 5% past guest discount.

New itineraries in the programme are the Jewels of Italy,Highlights of the Italian Lakes, Impressions of Spain &Portugal and Highlights of Germany. For more information call 020-7468 4335 or visitwww.onestoptouringshop.co.uk


newsbulletin

GREAT LITTLE DEAL...pictured marking an exclusive partnershipagreement between Affordable Car Hire and Great Little Breaks,which means that clients booking packages in the UK and Irelandthrough the Great Little Breaks Website and call centre will alsobe able to add Affordable's car rental are Vivienne Hudson fromGreat Little Breaks and Chris Laxen, Affordable Car Hire.

New Aeromexico flight from HeathrowAEROMEXICO HAS announced that it will launch flights fromHeathrow to Mexico City from December 14.

Three weekly flights will be offered, departing fromTerminal 2 at Mexico City and arriving at Heathrow's Terminal4 where other airlines from SkyTeam are currently inoperation.

With the new service, passengers and members of SkyTeamwill also benefit from an extensive network that includes manydestinations in Europe such as Prague, Vienna, Zurich, Oslo,Copenhagen, Helsinki, Athens, Moscow and Istanbul.Convenient flight connections will also be available to regionslike North Africa and the Middle East, to cities includingCarthage, Cairo, Dubai and Tel Aviv.For more information visit www.aeromexico.com

agentreviewMo Docrat from Round the World Experts in London went on

a ten-day G Adventures ‘Amazon to the Andes’ trip with work

colleagues. Here’s what he made of the adventure…

Mo receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for his review.

If you'd like to take part and receive a free Love2Shop

voucher please email [email protected]

or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

First impressions ....................................8/10

We received a warm welcome from our Peruvian chief experi-ence officer (CEO), Barbara (or ‘Babs’), who clearly laid out theplan of action for the next few days. I felt at home when wearrived and my immediate liking for the people was just ataste of what we could expect in terms of hospitality.

Comfort ....................................................9/10

The accommodation on the first night was a discreet hotel thatwas deceptively large with a beautiful courtyard. It just gotbetter, particularly in Cuzco and the jungle. Who would haveexpected a jungle lodge, set in virgin forest, with huge bedsand a hammock?

Quality ......................................................8/10

Outside of the pre-arranged components of the trip there wasa lot of choice on offer as to how to spend your time. By farthe best quality element of the 'product' was our CEO and thepeople, who had exceptional knowledge and delivered it withenthusiasm.

Affordability ............................................7/10

This was a fam trip, but everything we experienced wasreasonable and I would have been happy to pay for it in full if Iwere there again. In tourist areas prices can be exponentiallyhigh, but you'll always get the price down if you really want tosave extra soles for the sport of it.

Service ....................................................8/10

Any part of the trip that required service was great. ThePeruvians have a perpetual smile on their faces and alwaystried to meet our needs.

Good to know ..................................................Do the challenging but short walk up to the Sun Gate in MachuPicchu for mind-blowing views of the valley and the lost city.

1010/

S03 TB2610 News 2_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:30


brainstormbulletin

How do other agents get clients to take their travelinsurance when so many people have it with their banks?

BRAINSTORMBULLETIN ENCOURAGES travel agents to work together bypooling your ideas and sharing your problems and solutions. This week, Deborah Allen, a homeworker for Hays Travel in Durham, asked foryour feedback on the following...

THE NEXT BRAINSTORM QUESTION IS: As a travel agent we have started to sell passport

holders and offer a Western Union money transfer service to create additional revenue.

Have any agents got any other creative ideas to get more revenue in their agencies?

If you have a dilemma or question that you would like to ask other agents then please

email [email protected] with the subject 'Brainstorm'.

brainstormbulletin

WE DO not directly selltravel insurance as wedon’t have any staff trainedto do this. However, we dorecommend that they takeHoliday Extras insurance(and include details withtheir confirmation invoice)and earn a referral fee thatway.PENNY BONES, SOUTHERNCROSS TRAVEL, EASTSUSSEX

I TELL them bankinsurance may not coverbookings over £5k or cruisebookings. They may alsohave more restrictions onmedical or extreme sportsand they will almostcertainly have a higherexcess.CATHIE O'DEA, TRAVELCOUNSELLORS, LONDON

WE RUN through ourinsurance with clients toexplain exactly what theyare covered for - especiallytheir flights from Guernseyto the UK. We also explainto the client that somepolicies with banks are notfully inclusive and do notcover for every area of theholiday - especially whenthe majority do not coverflights from Guernsey tothe UK. If they did need tomake a claim on ourinsurance we have staffthat can help go throughthe claims form, relievingsome of the stress of fillingthese forms out.TAMMY LE NOURY,WAYFARERS TRAVEL,GUERNSEY

WE OFFER our travel insurance (Blue Insurance) to our customers when they book theirholidays with us. We do ask if they are covered by their banks or they might have travelinsurance that can also be linked with their household insurance (not a lot of customers knowthis and end up paying for extra insurance they do not need). We tell them how much ourpremium is and also what they would be covered for in the event they would need to make aclaim. Some customers like to have everything booked with their travel agent as then they donot have to fill in all the holiday details like when they are going and how long do they needcover for. Also, with some holidays there are insurance companies that do not cover dangeroussports like water rafting and jet skis etc. so the customer will feel more at ease with us if wetell them what they can and cannot be covered for while they are away it also puts their mindat ease when they know they have an agent who knows what they are talking about. MARIE RAYNER, TRAVEL COUNSELLORS, BOLTON

STARRESPONSE

Here's what some of you thought...

TSINCE 2002, when our insurance sales were £20,000, so a nice earner at 40% commission, lastyear was down to £4,000. Clients now either take out annual insurance or have cover with theirbank or credit cards, but it is clear that many travel on the assumption that they are covered,when this may not cover for cancellation or medical expenses. We are officially licenced to selltravel insurance, with two members of our staff having taken the ABTA training programme, andwe work with Covermore Insurance to offer this service. We always ask our clients if they wish tohave travel insurance, and if they say no we ask for details of the insurance company, and evenemergency contact no, as tour operators often insist on this. If clients are skiing or taking part inmore adventurous travel , we will also advise them that they require special cover. We do not goas far as asking our clients to sign indemnity forms, to confirm the details of their insurancecover, although we have discussed this on many occasions. Old age insurance is probably themost commonly asked question, and there are some insurance companies that specialise in this,mainly ones that do not sell through agents. It has become an unprofitable area of our sales topromote, and this is not helped by the bad publicity that travel agents receive from the nationalpress, which always suggests that travel agents rip off the customer. However, we do see this asan important responsibility for us to advise all our clients of the importance of adequateinsurance cover, in addition to many other travel suggestions such as health precautions andsustainable tourism advice, and this is an area that we will be showing more prominently on ournew website, due for completion soon. You cannot force clients to take out insurance, or to provethat they have adequate cover. ANDREW BROWNRIGG, CHAIRMAN, HASLEMERE TRAVEL

WINS a£10

Love2Shopvoucher

S03 TB2610 News 2_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:30

Who is your ideal travelling companion? Alan Carr – imagine what a laugh itwould be!

Where was your last work-related trip? We’ve recently started selling tours ofBurma, so I was lucky enough to visit.I can’t recommend it enough, veryfriendly and welcoming people andsome amazing sights to see.

What have your travels taught you?That money can’t buy happiness –sometimes the simple things in life arethe best.

What is the best advice you recall? An oldie but a goodie – treat others asyou wish to be treated.

If you could change three things inthe industry, what would they be?Taxes, taxes and taxes! I don’t think thecurrent APD system is very fair and thegovernment really needs to look at afairer way of taxing passengers,especially those who have to get adomestic flight to London!

Who has been the biggestinspiration/influence in your career?Michael Palin – I loved watching histravel documentaries growing up; hedefinitely made me see there is a widerworld out there to see!

What's your favourite city and why? Hoi An in Vietnam – it has a beautifulold town area which has lots of littlestreets to explore with some lovelycafés and restaurants to sit outsideand people watch. The whole placehas a really gentle paced way of lifeand with a beach just 15 minutesaway from the old town area is aperfect place to unwind on yourtravels.

What is your motto in life? I don’t really have a motto; I just try to bepositive. I don’t see the point in beingnegative and worrying about things toomuch.

What is your favourite mode of travel?A peaceful boat ride at sunset – a greatway to relax after a busy day ofsightseeing.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?To be able to fly – think of all the fuelsurcharges and taxes you’d be able toavoid! I’d just have to work out how toget my luggage to follow!

What item do you always take withyou when travelling? A good book! I’m currently working myway through the Sookie Stackhouseseries – fantastic books.

Richard SwainThe business development manager of Travel

Indochina knows how to make a good cocktail…

What's your favourite airline and why? Malaysia Airlines – the staff are sogenuine and friendly. Great legroomtoo.

How do you deal with stress? I find that prioritising tasks and notprocrastinating about things helps memanage my workload successfully, andhopefully not get too stressed. Also agood cup of tea always helps!

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?Not being able to take every agentwho’s said to me “so when am Igoing?” on a fam trip to our part ofthe world, so they get to experiencethe region first-hand and, moreimportantly, enjoy Travel Indochina’sstyle of travel.

What special skill do you have?I can make great cocktails - or so Ithink after a few of my ownconcoctions!

How do you cope with theadvances in technology?I’ve always used computers and beenwilling to learn and adapt to changeduring my career. But technology canonly get you so far; great customerservice will always be an importantpart of succeeding in my view.

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you? Well I either get called Smithy fromThe Bill or Simon from TheInbetweeners – so I guess it’d have tobe one of them!

What do you love about your job?I love being on the road and meetingnew people, and sharing myknowledge and passion for Asia withagents and their clients.

Career path● Aug 2004 – May 2007: Sales

consultant at Travelbag● May 2007 – Sep 2010: Team leader

at On The Beach● Sep 2010 – present: Business

development manager, TravelIndochina

“I don’t reallyhave a motto; I justtry to be positive. I

don’t see the point inbeing negative and

worrying aboutthings too much”

personalitybulletin


S03 TB2610 News 2_Layout 1 24/10/2012 15:10


Love2Shop vouchers from Attraction WorldATTRACTION WORLD is offering agents a £5 Love2Shop voucher for every GrandCanyon ‘To The Edge & Beyond Tour’ booked until December 31. To claim, emailbooking references to [email protected]

The operator has also launched a 30/60 minute airboat ride through the Everglades,plus a visit to the Wildlife Park, with sunset trips also available. Prices start at £16per adult and £13 per child, aged three-12. All tours are fully commissionable.

New ‘Mighty Mo’dive site in Florida

DIVING ENTHUSIASTSlooking for a new site thiswinter can head to FortMyers in south-westFlorida, where the WorldWar II warship, USSMohawk (the ‘Mighty Mo’),was recently sunk.

The 165ft ship lies 28nautical miles off the coastof Fort Myers and 90ftunderwater. Divers canexplore the ship and view arange of sea life, whilethose not confident enoughto go to these depths canexplore the smokestack,which is about 50ft belowthe surface.

Divers must have anadvanced diving certificationand prices cost from £90 forthe boat trip.For more information visitwww.deansdivecenter.com

BRITISH AIRWAYS and Brand USA have formed apartnership to position the carrier as the first UK FoundingAirline Partner for the tourism marketing body.

The airline will work with the organisation on a number ofinitiatives to promote the US as a travel destination,including industry and agent activity along with advertisingcampaigns and a mega fam for agents.

As part of its Founding Partner status, the airline willreceive a host of benefits from the organisation, such aspriority on new initiatives, promotions and marketing co-opcampaigns, as well as inclusion at all of the company’sfunctions at major industry events.

The marketing body, which started operations in the UK

on May 1, recently announced that phase one of its UKcampaign generated £2.3million spend and preliminaryresults indicated strong upward trends in intent to visit,consumer sentiment and engagement.

It has also announced the launch of a bespoke Website,www.TV.thebrandusa.co.uk, dedicated to televisionprogramme idea submissions. The site has been developedspecifically to accept confidential television ideas fromproduction partners before a shortlist is put before aTelevision Advisory Board. The Board will then collaboratewith the company to create the programmes, the aim ofwhich will be to encourage travel to the US.For more information see www.discoveramerica.com

British Airways & Brand USA announce new partnership to promote destination

HAYES & Jarvis has added The Beverly Hills Hotel in LosAngeles to its latest US brochure for the first time, along withHotel Bel-Air. Four-night flight-inclusive prices start from£1,499 per person at the Beverly Hills Hotel and £1,529 perperson at Hotel Bel-Air. The operator is also featuring twoproperties on the Pacific Coast Highway. Located on‘Billionaire’s Beach’, the Malibu Beach Inn is close to bothBeverly Hills and Santa Monica, with a one-night stay leadingin at £159 per person. Further north, the cliff top Post RanchInn at Big Sur offers westward views of the Pacific Ocean andthe Santa Lucia Mountains to the east. One night at the retreatcosts from £419 per person.

usa

WINTER 2012/13 will mark the secondyear of the US$50million Squaw Valleyrenovation project in Lake Tahoe.

The improvements will aim to enhancethe first-time visitor’s experience and theterrain park experience for guests.Features include installation of the BigBlue Express, a new, high-speed six-packchairlift to replace the High Camp chairlift.

The Links double chairlift will also beremoved and replaced with a triplechairlift called Mountain Meadow, whichwill be realigned to bring skiers and ridersup to the ridgeline near the top terminalsof the Solitude and Silverado lifts.

Meanwhile, substantial resources will beinvested in the snowmaking system, which

will include high-efficiency snow guns andnew piping to ensure the best possiblesnow surface, while the Olympic Plaza Barwill be completely remodelled, payingtribute to the resort’s Olympic heritage,with collage murals commemorating the1960 Olympics.

The resort is also partnering withBurton and its Learn to Ride (LTR)programme to offer specially-designedequipment for beginner snowboarders(both kids and adults).

Also undergoing redevelopment in theLake Tahoe region are HomewoodMountain Ski Resort and Alpine Meadows.For more information visitwww.gotahoenorth.com

$50million Squaw Valley redevelopment project enters second year

S04 TB2610 USA_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:35

US RANCH holidays are reportedly selling well, particularlyon adult-only breaks, according to Ranch Rider.

The operator’s managing director Tony Daly said: “At theend of the season there are plenty of cowgirl and adultthemed weeks for couples and singles. Our portfolio ofranch stays is also especially enticing for those clients whowant a holiday with a purpose, a growing number of peoplelooking to learn a new skill.”

As an example, the Double E ranch in New Mexicooperates year-round and offers beginners’ level cowgirlcamps from February through November, with datesincluding November 4-9 this year.

The five-night holidays are open to a maximum of tenguests, with activities such as a cowgirl camp rodeocomplete with barrel racing and team penning. The smallgroup size also allows beginners to learn a range ofhorsemanship techniques.

A five-night stay leads in at £1,020 per person with nosingle supplement and includes meals, taxes and gratuities.Transfers are excluded and lead in at approximately £46 perperson from Silver City. Flights are also available onrequest.For more information call 01509-618811, [email protected] or see www.ranchrider.com

Ranch Rider sees upturn in adult-only holidays & offers five-night breaks from £1,020


usa

AGENTS MAKING a booking to New England with Vacations toAmerica this month have the chance to win a place on a fam trip,organised in partnership with Discover New England. Until March,the operator will be selecting one agent every month to join thetrip and each winning agent will receive a ‘New England Basket’for their branch, with gifts from all six states of New England. The company offers fly/drive, escorted and tailor-made toursacross all 50 US states.For more information see www.vacationstoamerica.com

IMPERIAL PALACE, CaesarsEntertainment’s centre-Strip resort, isto be renamed The Quad Resort &Casino.

Guests will begin to see the brandtransformation as early as next monthand the official conversion will becompleted by December 21, withrenovation plans scheduled to finish bylate next year.

Tariq Shaukat, the operator’s chiefmarketing officer, said: “Historically,

this resort has had a very lively,welcoming appeal and we want tocontinue to build upon those qualities.The Quad will be a social and spiritedenvironment where our guests,dressed up or dressed down, will findwhat they need.”

The first phase of casino renovationswill cover 35,000sq.ft and is scheduledfor completion in spring next year. Thesecond phase will include an additional30,000sq.ft of gaming space with a

centralised promenade bar, scheduledfor completion in late 2013.

Plans also include a dual-sidedlobby bar, Starbucks, a retailpromenade and a series of restaurantsand eateries.

The resort will remain openthroughout the duration of theconstruction period with precautiontaken to minimise guest disruption. For more information seewww.quadlv.com

Win a trip to Las Vegas with FunwayTO CELEBRATE 20 years of US travel and the launch of itsnew 2013 brochure, Funway is offering an agent and theirpartner the chance to win a four-night stay in Las Vegas.The prize includes two nights at The Venetian Resort in aVenetian Suite and two nights at The Palazzo in a PalazzoSuite, with Economy Virgin Atlantic flights from eitherGatwick or Manchester.For a chance to win, email [email protected] with your USonline booking references made with the operator betweenSeptember 1 and October 31.

W French Quarter renovation updateTHE W French Quarter Hotel in New Orleans hasundergone a complete renovation of its 97 guest rooms,Living Room, studio meeting spaces and outdoor courtyard.

The property has also opened SWEAT, a new fitnesscentre, plus a new signature restaurant, SoBou.

Other hotels that have been recently renovated in NewOrleans include The Residence Inn New OrleansDowntown, the Hyatt French Quarter and the WindsorCourt Hotel.For more information visit www.wfrenchquarter.com

Caesars unveils new name for renovated Imperial Palace Resort

S04 TB2610 USA_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:35

NOBUBEAUTY

NOBUSTYLE

NOBUDESIGN

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NOBU IGNSDE

INTRODUCING TH

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Learn more at CaesarsTTravelAgents.com.

S04 TB2610 USA_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:35

FFESTINIOG TRAVEL has announced details of its 2013 programme, West Coast USA.Featured in its new Unforgettable Rail Journeys 2013 brochure, a 14-day itinerary

encompasses the coastal scenery of Northern Canada, Oregon and Washington State, aswell as Seattle, Portland and San Francisco.

For a June 11 departure, prices lead in at £2,895 per person, based on two sharing,including flights from London, all rail journeys, overnight accommodation on oneAmtrak train in roomettes, all meals whilst on the ‘Coast Starlight’, a barbecue lunchon the ‘Skunk’ train, evening meal on the Napa Valley Wine Train, admission to theSacramento Railroad Museum, coach travel and transfers, plus the services of a tourleader throughout.For more information call 01766-772030 or visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com

INTREPID’S NEWLY-ADDED ‘New YorkCity to Miami’ tour, featured in its 2013North America brochure, is being billedas the ‘road trip of a lifetime’.

From the Big Apple to the beaches ofFlorida, the 15-day tour explores themonuments and museums of WashingtonDC, hikes through Shenandoah NationalPark and the Appalachian Mountains,before taking in blues and jazz scenes inNashville, Memphis and New Orleans.There is also the chance for guests to

experience Orlando’s theme parks, visitCape Canaveral and soak up the sun onMiami beaches. Prices lead in at £1,265per person, excluding flights.

To celebrate the launch of its newbrochure, the company is offering 20% offNorth America bookings made byNovember 12 for travel by October 31,2013.

To receive the discount, quotepromotional code 9282 when booking.For details see www.intrepidtravel.com

Intrepid adds ‘road trip of a lifetime’ in North America brochure

Ffestiniog Travel makes tracks across the West Coast


usaVirgin launches2013 preview

brochureVIRGIN HOLIDAYS haslaunched its first USA &Canada 2013 previewbrochure, featuring arange of offers.

The programmeincludes self-drive tours,escorted tours, rail toursand cruises and offersinclude savings of up to£200 per couple on LasVegas holidays; freeaccess to the ‘v-room’when staying in afavourite or platinumhotel in Las Vegas; freenights and roomupgrades; and teen pricesat featured San Francisco,Los Angeles, Boston andNew England properties.

New for next year is theSanctuary Hotel New York,which is located in TimesSquare, and features alobby bar, restaurant androoftop lounge.

Meanwhile, a new 14-night Amtrak rail tour isoffered, travelling fromVancouver before crossingthe border and stopping inSeattle, Portland and SanFrancisco before finishingin Los Angeles. Pricesstart from £599 for afly/drive in Bostonincluding flights for adeparture from January 7-20.

The company has alsoexpanded its WorldwideJourneys range, includinga ten-day Grand NewEngland tour which leadsin at £1,565 per person,based on two adultssharing. It includes VirginAtlantic flights fromHeathrow to Boston,transfers, mixed-boardaccommodation,sightseeing, guides andall taxes. Prices are basedon select departures in2013. For more information visitwww.virginholidays.co.ukandwww.virginholidaysjourneys.co.uk

Roaring Camp 10, California

Loews Hotels & Resorts announces new Hollywood propertyLOEWS HOTELS & Resorts has purchased the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in California.

The 20-storey hotel, which is located on the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard andHighland Avenue, offers 632 guestrooms, 32 suites and more than 48,000sq.ft of meetingspace.

The property will undergo a £16.7million renovation later this year and is part of theHollywood & Highland Center which provides guests with access to more than 80 shops, 26restaurants and eateries, two nightclubs, seven movie screens, eight bars, 12 bowlinglanes and the Dolby Theatre.For more information visit www.loewshotels.com

S04 TB2610 USA_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:35


MOSAIC HOLIDAYS' new Egypt brochure,launched at the end of this month,features a selection of luxuryaccommodation options for clientslooking to book beach holidays inpopular Red Sea resorts. They includeStella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa andCleopatra in Sharm el Sheikh, Dawar ElOmda in El Gouna and The Radisson inEl Quseir.

Meanwhile, the operator reports thatbookings to the destination have recentlyincreased. The company's founder andmanaging director Sabina Shaida said:“Egypt is showing real signs of being onthe road to recovery as bookings pick upgradually and Red Sea resorts are aspopular as ever.

"Increasingly, visitors to Egypt arecombining relaxation on the Red Seawith tours of classical Egypt, including

Nile cruises, as they look to get more outof their precious holiday time.

"For those looking for winter sunwithout the bustle and hubbub of thepopular and most established Red Searesort of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm elSheikh, quieter alternatives which alsomake for perfect locations to relax aftera Nile Cruise, are the Red Sea coastalresorts of Hurgada, Dahab, El Gouna, ElQuseir, Soma Bay, Marsa Alam and PortGhalib. All of these destinations offerbeautiful scenery, colourful coral reefs,world class diving, and expansivestretches of sandy beaches."

The operator also reports that Jordanis continuing to go from strength tostrength, despite unrest in other areas ofthe region.

Shaida said: "Jordan's Red Sea resortof Aqaba is increasingly popular, thanks

to the ever expanding tourisminfrastructure as well as its proximity tothe World Wonder that is Petra.

"This year, Jordan is celebrating the200th anniversary of the rediscovery ofthe Rose Red City, which, coupled withthe 50th anniversary of the release ofDavid Lean’s epic, Lawrence of Arabia,puts Jordan in the spotlight.

"Spring and autumn remain populartimes to travel, although Aqaba truly is ayear-round destination. The beauty ofJordan is that the small size of theKingdom makes it the ideal destinationfor private touring, combining impressiveand fascinating cultural, religious andhistorical sightseeing with blissfulrelaxation on the Dead and Red Seas."For more information seewww.mosaicholidays.co.uk or call 020-3393 8588.

redsea

HOLIDAY DESIGNERS is offering a seven-night breakfast stay at the three-star Captain’s Inn in El Gouna from £489 per person. The deal isbased on a November 19 departure and includes flights, airport tax, baggage and transfers, with two people sharing a twin/double room.For details call 020-3384 0023 or visit www.holiday-designers.com

Mosaic sees trend in visitors combining Red Sea relaxation with classical tours

LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS hasannounced the launch of itslatest brochure for2012/13, which features acomprehensive Red Seaprogramme.

The operator's businessdevelopment manager AlanMeadows said: “Thisbrochure is a statementthat Longwood Holidays,although still committed tothe core destinations thathave made us successful,

are also looking to increasethe range of productsoffered after feedback fromtravel agents. Agents canalso be assured of the highlevels of service andexpertise of ourknowledgeable team thatthey have come to expect.In addition to our owncharter flights, we offer awide range of departuresfrom many regionalairports and total flexibility

of holiday durations acrossall of the destinations onoffer.”

The company hasnegotiated a range ofspecial offers includingearly booking offers, kidsspecials, new all-inclusivehotels, offers on golfingand diving holidays andsolo traveller weeks.

As an example of prices,a stay at the five-star HyattRegency in Taba Heights

leads in at £509 perperson, based on half-board for a December 4departure. It includesflights from Gatwick, HyattBonanza - a free upgradeto a sea view room, 25%discount on massagetreatments/products and15% discount on beverages.For more information or tobook visitwww.longwoodholidays.co.ukor call 0844-770 1450.

Longwood Holidays offers five-star half-board stay in Taba Heights for £509

S05 TB2610 Red Sea.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:45

Guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, above and below the water.

All you have to do is relax

ABTA No.Y2507

Call 0845 072 2477 Visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent

The Egyptian Experts

S05 TB2610 Red Sea_Layout 1 24/10/2012 14:43


CONFIDENT THAT the booking situationto Egypt will improve for winter 2012/13and summer 2013, Classic CollectionHolidays has introduced two newproperties in Sharm el Sheikh to itsEgypt 2012/13 programme and a Nilecruise on a deluxe traditional Dahabeyaboat.

The operator reports that summersales are currently 6% up year-on-yearand winter sales are already slightlyahead of last year, which has promotedthe company to feature the five-stardeluxe Stella di Mare Beach Hotel & Spain Na’ama Bay and the five-star GrandRotana Resort & Spa in Sharks Bay.

Early booking offers are applicable toboth hotels with savings of up to £112per couple per week at the Grand RotanaResort & Spa on all holidays booked

before April 30, 2013 for travel nextsummer.

Seven-night winter prices start from£669 per person.

The Stella di Mare has the same earlybooking offer but with savings of up to£84 per couple per week, with seven-night prices starting from £613 perperson.

The operator has also introduced Nilecruises on the luxury Yakouta EliteDahabeya, a traditionally styled Nile riverboat as historically used by Ottomanofficials and the favoured transport inancient times of Cleopatra and JuliusCeasar.

The vessel, which is a modern replicaof a traditional Dahabey, offers six deluxecabins and can be booked exclusively forsmall groups, or the cabins can be

booked individually. The eight or six day cruise starts from

Esna and highlights include the templeat Edfu, El Silsela temple, Kom Omboand Aswan.

Full board prices start from £1,365 perperson for the six-day cruise this winter,excluding flights and transfers. For details call 0800-008 7288 or visitwww.classic-collection.co.uk

redseaMONARCH AIRLINES has launched twice-weekly flights to Sharm el Sheikh from Birmingham for the winter 2012/13 season. The carrier'smanaging director Kevin George said: “We are delighted to be expanding our winter 2012/13 flights programme from Birmingham Airport,providing our customers in the Midlands with even more flexibility and choice. The launch of the Egypt flight, already a popular route forus out of Gatwick and Manchester airports, is a great opportunity for those who wish to escape the UK’s cold winters. This is followed byanother exciting route launch in December when we have our first flight from Birmingham to the popular ski destination of Grenoble.”

WITH HOTELIERS on Egypt's Red Sea coast still offeringgenerous rates to win back business lost during theMiddle East's political turmoil, Olympic Holidays views theRed Sea's future with confidence.

The operator's commercial director PhotisLambrianides said: "While the Red Sea resorts are farremoved from what's happened in Cairo, their businesshas suffered as a result. But they have responded well andthe hotel rates reflected in our new Winter Sun 2012/13brochure are exceptional, making a holiday in Sharm elSheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, El Gouna and other resortsmore affordable then ever.

"Considering the current limitations on capacity, theRed Sea has sold well for us this past summer and salesoverall for the region have been better than we might haveexpected.

"A Red Sea holiday represents excellent value as the flightis five hours and the standard of hotels in the region isextremely high, from three-star right through to luxury level."

For the coming winter the company is offering directflights from major UK airports to Sharm el Sheikh andHurghada using easyJet, Thomson Airways, Monarch and

other carriers. Lambrianides said: "There are outstandingoffers to be found in all the Red Sea resorts. Great pricesfrom hotels like the Savoy Sharm and the Hiltons havemade it a superb holiday option."

Meanwhile, the operator has added the four-star IbisStyles Dahab Lagoon hotel, the former Coralia, in Dahab,60 miles from Sharm el Sheikh, in its new Winter Sun2012/13 brochure.

The hotel offers 139 rooms, including three suites and20 family rooms and is located two miles from Dahab'sresort centre, on a 650m stretch of sandy beach.

In the company's 2013 Summer Sun programme, RedSea additions include the three-star Naama Star Hotel inSharm el Sheikh and the five-star Movenpick ResortHurghada in Hurghada.

As an example of prices, a seven-night half-board stayat the newly featured four-star Ibis Styles Dahab Lagooncosts from £426 per person in February 2013, based ontwo sharing a standard garden view room.

The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. For more information or to bookcall 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

Olympic Holidays confident of booking increase following revised hotel rates

MS Yakouta Elite Dahabeya

Classic Collection adds properties in Sharm el Sheikh and a new Nile Cruise

S05 TB2610 Red Sea_Layout 1 24/10/2012 14:43

RED SEA Holidays hasissued a new October 2012–November 2013 brochurefeaturing new resorts andoffers. Building on itsexisting offering, the newbrochure features aredesign to reflect the moreupmarket product offering.

Highlights include bothcustomer and Tripadvisorreviews for the first time,new resorts and increasedexcursion and golf optionsand pre-bookable golfpackages at a choice ofPGA-designed golf coursesin locations in Makadi Bay,El Gouna, Soma Bay andSharm el Sheikh.

The operator has beencollecting customersatisfaction surveys fromall Red Sea hotels and thirdparty hotels since summer2012, and has used thedata for on-going qualitycontrol and in developingthe sun ratings for eachhotel. All hotels nowdisplay customer ratingsfor location,accommodation, food andoverall satisfaction. Thetotal number of peoplerating their Red SeaHolidays holiday as good or

excellent currently standsat 95%.

Jason Hilton, thecompany's sales director,said: "We are enjoyingcontinued growth and we’reconfident that with ourincreased product offeringwe will maintain ourreputation as Egypt experts.

"Our new brochurereflects the quality ofproduct development and

with a bigger choice thanever there is something forevery holidaymaker. We’vehad a strong summer withsales figures and revenuesup on summer 2011 andwinter 2012/2013 salesalready off to a promisingstart. We’d attribute this tothe increased demand thatwe’ve seen and ourincreased flyingprogramme into the Red

Sea which has grown bymore than 40% for thiswinter.”

As an example ofpackages, a seven-nightall-inclusive stay at thefive-star Makadi Spa inMakadi Bay leads in at £645per person. It includesflights from Gatwick and isbased on departures fromNovember 26-December17.

Red Sea Holidays' latest brochure features new resorts & deals

Makadi Spa Hotel


redsea

MÖVENPICK HOTELS & Resorts has taken over two existing properties in Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. The Mövenpick Resort Sharm elSheikh is located at the end of Naama Bay and offers views over the bay and five private beaches close to natural corals. The propertyoffers 302 sea-facing rooms and villas. The Mövenpick Resort Hurghada (pictured) offers 252 rooms and suites and is located on a longstretch of private beach, complete with its own marina. The resort offers a range of entertainment and activities for guests, includingwatersports, a private diving centre and horse-riding. The company has also announced that in the first quarter of next year, MövenpickResort & Spa Soma Bay will open, offering 424 rooms, a spa, seafood restaurant and meeting facilities.

S05 TB2610 Red Sea.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2012 12:45


railfocus

RAIL EUROPE is offering two Swiss Passesfor the price of one for travel until the end ofnext month.

The pass offers unlimited rail travel onlong-distance and local train servicesthroughout Switzerland.

It also covers the public transport systemsof around 40 Swiss cities, offers discountedaccommodation in many Swiss hotels andallows free admission to more than 400museums throughout the country. The passwill also cover travel on the majority of the

country’s scenic rail routes and boat cruises,including the Glacier Express, the ChocolateTrain and the Bernina Express.

Until November 23, clients booking a four-day Saver consecutive pass (normally £167per person), or a four-day flexi-pass(normally £193 per person), can buy one andget one free.

Travel using the pass must be completedby November 30.For more information or to book call 0844-848 4066.

INCA RAIL and Andean Railwayshave signed an agreement for thecreation of Peru’s second largestprivate passenger rail company.

Until now, the companies haveoperated independent rail servicescarrying tourists between the SacredValley of the Incas and MachuPicchu.

Juan Alberto Forsyth, CEO for Inca

Rail, said: “This is still work inprogress, but we are alreadybenefiting from many operationalsynergies and we are providing ourpassengers with improved servicesand facilities. This is a partnershipof like-minded organisations.

"Our friends at Andean Railwaysshare our belief in the importance ofgreat customer service, sustainable

and authentic travel experiences andthe care and protection of Peru’samazing natural environment.”

By combining their marketing andoperational resources, the newpartnership expects traffic to growto more than 250,000 passengersnext year, with plans to double thisby 2015.For details see www.incarail.com

AGENTS HAVE untilOctober 31 to offer clientsa complimentary upgradeto Standard PremierEurostar travel on shortbreaks by Kirker Holidays,alongside additional offersand discounts.

The upgrade is valid fornew bookings only andapplies to travel between

November 1 andDecember 31, subject toavailability.

Sample packagesinclude a three-night stayin Bruges at the four-starGrand Hotel Casselbergh.Prices start from £395 perperson for Sunday toThursday trips, offering asaving of £100 per person.

Alternatively, guests canreceive up to 20% discounton weekend stays inBrussels during Novemberand December. Threenights at the five-starHotel Amigo start from£460 per person, saving£98 per person.

Prices are based on twopeople sharing and include

Standard Premier travel,breakfast accommodation,guide notes to restaurants,museums and sightseeingand the services of aconcierge. Some packagesalso include privatetransfers.For more information call020-7593 2288 or visitwww.kirkerholidays.com

Inca Rail & Andean Railways sign agreement for new Peru service

Rail Europe offers buy-one-get-one-free Swiss Pass New offers fromGreat Southern RailGREAT SOUTHERN Rail hasextended its industry offer fortravel in Gold Service, offeringbuy-one-get-one-freebookings until November 30.

The company has alsointroduced a 30% discount offGold Service or the AUD$equivalent off PlatinumService if booked byDecember 24, for travel up toMarch 31, 2013.

Agents can offer clients free Eurostar upgrade with Kirker Holidays

S06 TB2610 Rail Focus_Layout 1 24/10/2012 14:08


railfocus

DIAMOND RAIL Holidays haslaunched its latest brochure for 2013,in which all but one of the fullyescorted tours begin with a Eurostarjourney from St Pancras, and allinclude rail journeys throughdestinations including Switzerland,France, Marrakech, Scandinavia, theItalian Lakes, Austria and Scotland.

The company is also offering visitsto agents to provide detailed trainingand briefing, supported by the launchof its dedicated agents’ site.

Highlights for next year include asix-day Jacobite Steam Train tourexploring Scotland’s scenery, with atrip on the Paddle Steamer Waverley,the last sea-going paddle steamer inthe world. An alternative seven-daytrip is also available combining avisit to Edinburgh and the chance tosee the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.Prices start from £699 per person.

Meanwhile, a five-day GlacierExpress Winter Magic programmehas two winter departure dates and

includes a trip on the world’s slowestexpress train through the Swiss Alps,with prices from £799.

All tours include travel by Eurostarfrom St Pancras; onward return railtravel; hotel accommodation withmany meals included; excursions;and tour managers. Most alsoinclude optional rail travel frompoints nationwide.For more information call 0844-544 7581 or visitwww.sellingrailholidays.com

GREAT RAIL Journeys and Treyn have together launched 39new tours for next year, including destinations from England toEcuador.

Tony Byrne, national sales manager for both companies,said: “Travel agents have given tremendous support to GreatRail Journeys and Treyn this year and I am sure this willcontinue in 2013. Our trade sales have increased by 25% year-on-year and we may well expand our sales team by the end ofthe year to meet demand from travel agents.”

New options include the seven-day Castle in the HighlandsScotland tour, with prices starting from £645 per person basedon two sharing. It includes two nights’ half-board hotelaccommodation in Glasgow; four nights’ half-boardaccommodation at Glenborrodale Castle, including a Haunch ofVenison Dinner on the final evening; three journeys on the WestHighlands Line, including one on the Jacobite Steam Train (the‘Hogwarts Express’); and other selected excursions and tours.The price is based on an April 21 departure and includes theservices of a tour manager.

Other tours include the 13-day Puglia & Basilicataprogramme, which leads in at £1,875 per person based on twosharing. It includes Standard Premier Class Eurostar travel

from London including a light meal and drinks, First Class railtravel as described in the itinerary, 12 nights’ hotelaccommodation with breakfast, ten dinners, guided tours,selected excursions, transfers and most porterage. The price isbased on an April 5 departure and includes the services of atour manager.For more information see www.greatrail.com andwww.railholidays.com

Free off-train excursions from Danube ExpressTHE DANUBE Express has issued its 2013 programme featuring new itineraries andall off-train excursions included at no extra cost.

New for next year, the company is introducing the Central European itinerary,which departs from Budapest and visits the cities and palaces of Hungary, Austria,Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic, with the tour concluding in Prague.

Meanwhile, a Transylvanian tour crosses Central Europe, journeying through fourcountries in four days. Starting in Istanbul, the itinerary includes Bulgaria and theCarpathian Mountains en-route to Transylvania, where guests can discover thesights linked to the Dracula legend in Braşov and Sighişoara. The final leg of thejourney crosses the Great Hungarian Plain with a visit to a ‘Puszta’ horseshowahead of arrival in Budapest. This journey is also available in the reverse directionfrom Budapest to Istanbul and both of the above tours lead in at £2,790 includingthree nights’ accommodation on the train.

Alternatively, guests can now combine the Transylvanian and Central Europeanjourneys to visit eight countries in ten days. Prices start from £4,990 including sixnights on the train and three nights’ breakfast accommodation in Budapest at thefour-star Danubius Hotel Astoria.

Prices are per person and are based on two sharing a deluxe twin ensuitecompartment on the train with all meals, complimentary beverages, scheduledsightseeing and the services of a train manager for selected departure dates in May,June and September. Deluxe single accommodation is available at a supplement.The company can also add on services for air or rail travel from the UK as well asfour- and five-star hotel accommodation.For more information call 01462-441400 or visit www.danube-express.com

Great Rail Journeys & Treyn introduce 39 new tours for 2013 The new Catalan Coast tour

Diamond Rail Holidays highlights dedicated agents' training site & issues new brochure



THIS WINTER, Eurostar is partneringwith the international high-speed trainservice TGV Lyria to launch a newweekly service between London andsome of Switzerland’s most popular skiresorts.

On sale now, the new service willcarry ski and snowboarding enthusiastsfrom St Pancras and Ashford to theheart of the Swiss Alps and the Valaisregion from December 22 until April 13next year. Resorts include Verbier,Zermatt, Saas Fee and Gstaad.

Nick Mercer, the company'scommercial director, said: “Ourresearch shows ski customers areseeking a more civilised way to reachtheir resorts by travelling by high-speed rail from London to the heart ofthe Swiss Alps. Our direct ski servicesto the French Alps have grown inpopularity year-on-year and we expectthis new service to the Swiss Alps tohave similar appeal.

“With the highest runs in Europe,spectacular scenery and reliable snow,Swiss skiing offers something foreveryone. With the resorts located just

a short distance from the train stations,passengers have a much moreseamless journey than travelling byair.”

With a connection in Lille Europe onto a high-speed service, passengerswill arrive into Aigle, Martigny, Visp andBrig stations for onward transfers totheir resorts. Ski passengers will alsobe able to carry an extra item of

luggage in addition to the normalluggage allowance at no extra cost.

Return fares start from £189, withStandard Premier fares from £299,offering more spacious seating as wellas light meals and drinks.The company’s direct ski services to theFrench Alps are also open for sale. For more information call 0843-2186186 or visit www.eurostar.com

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Orient-Express is offering aselection of seasonal journeys on the British Pullman andNorthern Belle.

Christmas Shopping on the Rails will depart from LondonVictoria on December 6, showcasing a selection of seasonalgifts and products from British brands on the NorthernBelle. Experts from each brand will be on hand to offeradvice and top tips. A four-course Christmas lunch will beserved with Champagne and wine, and prices lead in at £350per person.

Clients can also opt for a Canterbury Carols tour on theBritish Pullman on December 11 or 18. Departing from

London Victoria, guests will see the choir perform atCanterbury Cathedral and will then sing their favouritecarols before having the chance to do some Christmasshopping. A four-course dinner will then be served withChampagne and wine on the train as it makes its way backto London. Prices lead in at £395 per person.

The Northern Belle will also host Christmas dinners,departing on December 6 from Edinburgh and on December12 from Ipswich and Norwich, with prices starting from £240per person.For more information call 0845-077 2222 or visit www.orient-express.com

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER hasannounced a range of newtravel options for next year.

The company willintroduce a new stop in LakeLouise that will enhance itsFirst Passage to the Westjourney; debut its CoastalPassage route, a scenicjourney departing Seattle,Washington State; andoffers SilverLeaf Servicedepartures on its Journeythrough the Clouds route.

The company's director ofsales EMEA Leslie Pedensaid: “We are always lookingfor new ways to keep our

product best-in-class andoffer greater travel optionsfor our guests. With thelaunch of these innovativeinitiatives, travellers willhave even more choice tosee and experience WesternCanada and the CanadianRockies by rail."

The introduction of LakeLouise, Alberta, as adestination on the FirstPassage to the West routewill enable guests staying atThe Fairmont Chateau LakeLouise a quick and directtransfer to their hotel.Coach transfers are

included on all packagesexcept two-day rail-only.

The Coastal Passageroute will connect Seattleand Vancouver en-route tothe Canadian Rockies.Guests will traverse thePacific Northwest, BritishColumbia and themountains of the CanadianRockies. The onboardexperience includesGoldLeaf Service in a bi-level custom-designeddome coach, offeringpanoramic views withgourmet cuisine in a privatedining room and

personalised service.SilverLeaf Service will

also be available on theJourney through the Cloudsroute between Vancouverand Jasper, Alberta. Guestswill see the CanadianRockies, Mount Robson andPyramid Falls. The single-level glass domed coachoffers a 167% larger viewingarea than RedLeaf Serviceand guests will be providedwith commentary and a hotmeal service at their seats.For details visitagent.rockymountaineer.com or call 00 800-0606 7372.

Rocky Mountaineer unveils new options for 2013 including Coastal Passage route

railfocus

Eurostar teams with TGV Lyria to launch weekly service to Switzerland

Festive journeys on British Pullman & Northern Belle from Orient-Express


Get

this Christmas

Book any If Only... holiday to Mauritius and you could win a Smart 3D TV!

Enter our on-line Mauritius Quiz at ifonly.net/agents to win an iPad 3!

Book a 7 night holiday to the stunning Maritim Mauritius from only £1,499 per person.

Call 0141 955 4000 for detailsValid for departures from London from 30 April to 30 June 2013, subject to availability.

Prize draw booking incentive and on-line quiz valid until 15th December 2012.

Win a Smart 3D TV or an iPad 3



IN AN effort to encourage and helptravel agents take advantage of the$100billion vacation rental market, B2Bholiday property rental site,www.IAVRA.com, is offering new agentsa special promotion. Following a 30-dayno obligation free trial, agents will beable to subscribe to the platform on areduced monthly fee for the first year.

The company says that there hasbeen a growing trend towards holiday

rentals as travellers crave bespokeexperiences which go beyond typicalplanned holidays, and that rentals suchas villas, city apartments and chaletsprovide the answer to this desire byproviding the discerning traveller withprivacy, intimacy and luxury that can betailored to each individual holiday.

The company’s portfolio includesproperties from 51 countries across arange of prices, with the biggest

collections in France, Greece, Italy,Portugal, Spain, the Caribbean andMexico.

Prices lead in at £300 per week for atwo-bedroom property in Cyprus.

Agents will earn a guaranteedminimum 10% commission on everyrental. For more information visitwww.iavra.com and quote promo code:FYPROMO for the reduced rate.

Look beyond the beaches with Mallorca FarmhousesMALLORCA FARMHOUSES is offering a choice of private villas, cottages and convertedfarmhouses in some of Mallorca’s more rural locations.

All properties feature a private pool and maid service, and nearly all offer complimentaryinternet connection.

An example of properties is the Finca Sa Cavea, which is a four-bedroom farmhousedating back to 1725. It is located in the south-eastern village of Cas Concos and is a shortwalk away from local amenities. Surrounded by miles of countryside, guests can hire bikesor visit the nearby tennis courts. The prehistoric Caves of Drac, which is host to Lake Martel– one of the largest underground lakes in the world – are located close by. Available thisautumn/winter from £665 per week and sleeping eight, a week's stay at the property leadsin at £83 per person.For more information or to book call 0845-800 8080 or visit www.mallorca.co.uk

POINTE ESTERO Resort isrunning a ‘Gimme five’offer, where five nights areavailable for the price offour until December 20.

The resort is located on aprivate beach on EsteroIsland, south-west Florida,and features suites withtheir own Jacuzzisalongside a heatedswimming pool, privatetennis court, outdoor hottub, fishing and watersportson the private beach.

The offer must be bookedonline atwww.pointeestero.com andprices start from £87 pernight for a one-bedroomGulf view suite.

Meanwhile, the HyattRegency Coconut PointResort & Spa, located onEstero Bay, has undergonea multi-million dollarrenovation throughout thesummer, in preparation forwinter.

A stay at the hotel fromNovember 16-23 costs£1,050 based on two peoplesharing a double room.

For more information orto book visitwww.coconutpoint.hyatt.com

Direct flights fromHeathrow to Miami withVirgin Atlantic start from£682 per person and carhire is available with Hertzfrom £128.85 for a week’shire in a Kia Rio, with bothof the above resorts about athree-hour drive away fromMiami.

Five nights for theprice of four atFlorida’s PointeEstero Resort

accommodationonly

IAVRA.com highlights how agents can get a piece of the holiday rental market pie

HOTEL LONE, Croatia’s first member of Design Hotels, has openedProstor (‘Space’), a design store offering an exclusive range ofproducts made by independent Croatian designers and artists. Thehotel has also launched a new menu at its L restaurant, offeringhealthy, light lunchtime dishes and unusual evening meals. For details see www.lonehotel.com/en

S07 TB2610 Accommodation Only_Layout 1 24/10/2012 14:17

HOSEASONS HAS launched its 2013Holiday Cottages programme, witharound 1,600 hand-pickedproperties across the UK.

More than 150 properties are newto the company's portfolio, rangingfrom the contemporary and modernto chocolate box cottages withplenty of history, as well as aneclectic mix of castles, manorhouses, and converted mills,brewhouses, chapels, smithies andforges.

Also included in the programmeis a range of more than 250 Ultimate Cottages, which offeradded extras such as swimming pools, luxury furnishings,state-of-the-art entertainment systems, hot tubs or particularlystunning locations.

The programme features an extended selection of shortbreaks, with many properties offering short stays of two, threeor four nights.

The cottages sleep between two and 24 people – or more ingroups of cottages. More than 1,000 properties also welcomepets, with prices starting from £260 for seven nights.

Amongst the new properties introduced for the 2013programme is Millcroft House in Derbyshire, a spacious andcontemporary detached house sleeping 12 in seven bedrooms -ideal for a large family. The property features two sitting rooms,five bath/shower rooms, a conservatory, games room and alarge enclosed lawned garden with a patio area and hot tub.Prices start from £743 per week.

Another new addition is The Stable in Southend-on-Sea inEssex. Offering sea views from the first floor, the cottage offersa fully-enclosed garden and sleeps two. Prices start from £331.

Meanwhile, the operator has launched an exclusive new

range for 2013 called ‘Daisy Door, Cottage Style Collections’. The new collection combines the home comforts of a holiday

cottage with the facilities of a park and lodge resort – offeringconsumers the opportunity of a flexible self-catering break.

The new accommodation range is aimed at families, couplesand groups of friends, with the accommodation providing theflexibility for large gatherings and special occasions.

Four locations have been chosen to launch the new collection- Looe in Cornwall, Ayrshire in Scotland, Harrogate in Yorkshireand Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight.

The company's managing director Pali Badwal said: “This isthe latest in our on-going product development, and has beencompletely driven by listening to the new experiences ourcustomers want. We found that people wanted a combination ofthe home-like feel of a cottage, and the luxury it brings,combined with some additional amenities such as outdooradventure play areas and hot tubs.

“One of the other unique differences is the creation of a focalpoint for holidaymakers during their stay. So, as well as theusual advantages of the cottage break, there will be someoneon hand from arrival to departure, able to offer advice,recommendations and help through their stay.”

The cottages sleep between two to eight people and offer amix of contemporary and traditional, but with the emphasis oncottage style breaks. While each location will have its ownindividual feel there will also be a universal level of qualityacross all the Daisy Door accommodations, including flat screenTVs, DVD players, pocket sprung mattresses and quality linenand towels.

The new sites will also offer free Wi-fi, walking and cyclingroutes direct from the door step and a good local pub within acouple of miles. There are also pet-friendly cottages andcottages with hot tubs available in each location. For more information visit www.hoseasons.co.uk or call 0844-847 1100.

Hoseasons launches 2013 Holiday Cottages programme plus exclusive new range


acommodationonly

THE WOOD Norton, a newly-restored Grade II listedboutique hotel in the Vale ofEvesham, is set to open thisautumn following a £4millionrestoration.The hotel consists of threemain buildings – The Hall,Pear Tree Mews and Smith’sHouse – each offering a rangeof accommodation andmeeting room space. Onenight’s bed-and-breakfastaccommodation costs from£85 per room per night, whilesuites start from £235. For details call 0843-357 5585 or visitwww.bespokehotels.com/woodnortonhall

Superbreak adds new hotel in Lake DistrictSUPERBREAK HAS addedthe three-star RegentHotel in the Lake Districtto its portfolio.

The hotel, which islocated at Waterhead Bayon the shores of LakeWindermere, offers acentral location forexploring the region and30 rooms.

Situated a ten-minutedrive from Windermere,Grasmere andHawkshead, the propertyoffers an indoorswimming pool and localfresh food.

Prices lead in at £59.50per person per night,including breakfast. For more information call0871-221 4444 or visitwww.superbreak.com/agents

DOUBLETREE BY Hilton has announced theopening of a newly renovated hotel situatedon Boston’s North Shore.

The 364-room hotel featurescontemporary décor and furnishings andoffers facilities such as complimentarywireless high-speed internet access andhigh-definition LCD TVs with XFinity fibre-optics. The hotel is located near Logan

International Airport (BOS), the Beverly(Mass.) Municipal Airport and an hour awayfrom Manchester (N.H.) International Airport.

A Double Hilton HHonors bonus offer iscurrently available for stays from Sundaythrough Wednesday until December 30inclusive.For more information or to book visitwww.doubletree.com or call 0870-590 9090.

DoubleTree by Hilton opens fourth hotel in Greater Boston


Getabed.co.uk expands sales team GETABED.CO.UK HAS expanded its sales team to focus on travelagents in the north of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Amanda Leggett has joined the Hove-based business asbusiness development manager (north) and will work alongsidesales director Mark Hopper. Previous travel industry roles forLeggett include business development manager for luxuryoperator If Only.

The company's commercial director Tony Quinn said: “We aredelighted that Amanda has joined our team. We haveambitious growth plans for this, our 21st year, and herexpertise and hands-on approach to the crucial north ofEngland and Scottish markets will be invaluable movingforward.”

THE CASA Gangotena Hotel in Quito,Ecuador is offering a culinary tour thattakes guests through the San Roque foodshops and market, introducing them to theflavours and produce of theneighbourhood.

The hotel’s executive chef, Andrés Dávila,escorts guests on the Tour of Old TownQuito, which includes a stop at a ritualistichealing area and a visit to Molinos de SanMartín, the last-surviving mill in the area.Here, the owners show guests the varieties

of flour they produce from Andean grainsand pulses, many employed in preparingthe restaurant’s dishes.

Prices lead in at $460 (approximatley£285.84) for one night including breakfastand the tour costs from $45 (approximately£27.94). The tour is exclusive to thosestaying at the hotel and 48 hours’ notice isrequired for bookings, with a maximum ofsix people in a group.For more information visitwww.casagangotena.com

Amanda Leggett

Kimpton opens new property in

PhiladelphiaKIMPTON HOTELS &Restaurants has openedits latest property, HotelMonaco Philadelphia.

The four-star hotelcomprises 11 floors with268 guestrooms,including 17 suites and 27King Spa rooms.

There is also13,000sq.ft of meetingspace and a ballroom.

Other features includecomplimentary Wi-fi, anightly manager-hostedwine hour in the livingroom and a fitnesscentre. For adventure-seeking guests, the hotelprovides bicycles andthere are kites in everyguest room forcomplimentary use.For more information visitwww.kimptonhotels.com

accommodationonly

Casa Gangotena introduces Quiteño Culinary Tours


Hotelbeds expands in MEAPAC region HOTELBEDS, WHICH supplies more than 45,000 hotels across 147countries to travel agents, airlines and tour operators, has announced itsplans to grow the brand in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region.MEAPAC is comprised of the Middle East, Asia, Australia and PacificIslands, and is the largest region for Hotelbeds worldwide.

The company's managing director Carlos Muñoz said: “MEAPAC iswhere we see the greatest opportunities. It is now the fastest growingarea of our business and an area we are very excited to be developing andinvesting in.”

The company estimates a 40% future growth for the MEAPAC region by2015, outperforming the estimated market growth (9.1%) and is lookingto double its hotel portfolio in the next five years, with particular focus onSingapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan. For details see www.hotelbeds.com

LONDON HAS seen room ratessoar in the second quarter of 2012,according to HRS’ recent HotelPrice Radar. The average roomrate in London increased by 7.19%from the same period last year.The Queen’s Diamond Jubileecelebrations, as well as theimminent approach of theOlympics, fuelled tourism in thecapital, and pushed up hotelprices as a result.

The companycompared hotel roomprices in ten citiesacross the UK and therest of the world inthe second quarter of2012 with prices fromthe same period theprevious year, andNew York has comeout top with travellerspaying an average of€187.25 per night fora hotel room. Thecheapest hotel stayswere once again inBangkok with anaverage rate of lessthan €53.79 per roomper night.

Meanwhile, thehotel portal has been selected asthe hotel launch partner for thenew Apple Passbook app, enablingiPhone and iPad users to accessdocuments and hotel data at aglance. Customers will only haveto present their confirmation onthe phone’s display whenchecking-in. Hotel reservations,train tickets, boarding passes,

rental car reservations and otherimportant travel documentationcan all be stored in the Passbookand accessed on the go.

The company's managingdirector Jon West said: “Workingwith the Apple Passbookapplication is hugely exciting forHRS. The Passbook enables us tosupply our customers withconcise, up-to-the-minute

information on theirtravel arrangements.

“We see a hugepotential for thisapplication –Passbook couldbecome the coreapplication for thefuture managementof all digitalreservations andtickets.”

The company hasalso launchedHRStimator, anonline calculatorapplication thatallows users to seehow they can save upto 30% on theirannual hotel spend.

The online toolenables corporates of all sizes tocalculate the potential cost savingthey can gain by using HRS,choosing from more than 250,000chain and independent hotels,including 170,000 that are notavailable anywhere else. For more information visitwww.hrscorporate.com/savingsand www.hrs.com

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What's the worst foodon a menu that someone

could order for you?Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] in a cream sauce

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] or any type of seafood

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] cruel foods such as Foie Gras or Lobster

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected], escargot, spinach and broccoli bake

Sales Director: Simon [email protected]

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] curry, the hotter the worst!

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] tuna with hard-boiled potatoes

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] brains!

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] with raw tomatoes in

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] bowl of salad, with tomatoes and anchovies

Design: Genaro [email protected] and Frogs legs

Assistant Layout Design:Nicky [email protected], sloppy salmon & squishy butternut

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected], makes me gag

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

Travagrams: (top) Cunard (bottom) Las Vegas

Where Am I?: Madeira

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Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange LimitedSubscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseasISSN: 0956-2419

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SKYPRIORITY. BECAUSE YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY.

SkyTeam introduces SkyPriority, an alliance-wide priority service label which is easy to

spot at every SkyTeam-served airport around the world. Wherever you fly with SkyTeam

member airlines, you* will automatically benefit from priority check-in, baggage handling,

boarding and transfer desks. To learn more, visit skyteam.com

*First Class, Business Class, and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers.

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MALTA & GOZO Prestige Holidays offer a range of 4 and 5 star hotels in Malta and Gozo, from traditional

elegant hotels to the more modern beachfront hotels, something to suit every client.

Ask about all our latest offers to Malta including free nights and free room upgrades.

Prices from £667 at a 5 star hotel for a week in October.

We offer flexibility using scheduled flights, so can offer long stays or short breaks for

your clients.

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

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/malta


Travel Bulletin 26th October 2012

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Transcript of Travel Bulletin 26th October 2012