Travel Bulletin 29th May 2015

Creating newopportunities for clients by

promoting the ‘SlowTravel’ concept

May 29 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,921 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinfour-night Haven break offer fortravel agents for £59

digital dialoguehow technology plays animportant role in inspiring travellers

winter sportsoperators add newdestinations & activities for2015/16

india & indian oceanMauritius launches low seasoninitiative to drive family bookings

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TO BOOK THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTSCALL 0844 557 0624 | VISIT SANDALS4AGENTS.CO.UK

J A M A I C A S A I N T L U C I A A N T I G U A B A H A M A S G R E N A D A B A R B A D O S

SANDALS BARBADOSWAS: £3,144pp

SAVING: £3,290 per couple!

TRAVEL DATES: 16 Sep - 13 Oct ‘15. Other dates available.

BARBADOS

7 NTS FROM:

£1,499PP

HOT NEW PRICE

SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA RESORT & SPAWAS: £3,657pp

SAVING: £4,396 per couple!

TRAVEL DATES: 27 Aug - 22 Oct ‘15. Other dates available.

ANTIGUA

CLUB LEVEL

7 NTS FROM:

£1,459PP

Book by Tuesday 9th June 2015. Savings are up to 50% and vary on selected resorts, room types and travel dates in 2015 & 2016. 50% discount is valid on package and accommodation only bookings. Minimum stay: 5 nights. Not combinable with any other offer or promocode offer except the free wedding offer. Sandals Select points and free nights cannot be used in conjunction with this offer, but can be earned. Offer subject to

availability. Terms and conditions and blackout dates apply.

Travel agents must quote FUN2FOR1 at the point of booking to take advantage of any offer included within the 2 for 1 sale. Capped commission of 5% applies to all 2 for 1 bookings. 2 for 1 bookings are not eligible for MoneyCard rewards.

Pricing shown is per person based on two people sharing a room/suite for 7 nights on selected dates (as stated) and includes all savings, return flights with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic or Thomas Cook Airlines in economy class, all meals, land and water sports, transfers, tips and taxes. Room types vary depending on resort and will be advised at time of booking. Prices are subject to availability and are correct at time of

distribution. ABTA: V000X / ATOL: 2853 / IATA: 91273442.

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If Only…took a group of agents on a fam trip to Dubai a couple of weeks ago. Pictured taking a well-earned rest after a golf session at the Montgomerie Golf Club are, from the left: Neil Sealy, If Only…;Bernard Kamau, The Address Hotels and Resorts; Veronica Jackson, Thomas Cook Milton KeynesSunset Walk; Louise Dempsey, Thomas Cook Hornchurch; Emma Beveridge, Thomas Cook Bromley;Helen Nemeth, Thomas Cook Billericay; and Laura Forte, Thomas Cook Wimbledon.

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LOW RESORT costs decide the holidaydestination for nine-in-ten parents,according to new Post Office Travel Moneyresearch.

More than half of those surveyed for thereport revealed that they had exceededtheir resort spending budget by an averageof 30% on their last holiday and, based ontheir previous experiences, Spain’s BalearicIslands topped a list of 17 populardestinations rated good value for a familyholiday.

In the survey of more than 1,000 parents,when those who had previously visiteddestinations abroad were asked which theyrated good value, it was a clean sweep forSpanish resorts. A total of 88% named theBalearic Islands, while 82% said the CanaryIslands were good value and 81% gave thethumbs up to the Spanish mainland.Recent research for the Post Office HolidayCosts Barometer shows that familiesplanning return visits to the Balearics willenjoy even better value because prices havedropped by around 16% since last year inMallorca and Menorca.

Although there was a sizeable gapbetween the Spanish resorts and otherdestinations, Greece, the US, Bulgaria,Thailand and Portugal also earned goodvalue ratings from seven-in-ten or more ofthe parents surveyed.

However, Turkey and Croatia both lostground on their positions a year ago, with

84% of parents who had visited Turkeybefore rated it good value at that time butthis has now fallen to 67%. Similarly, 68%rated Croatia good value in 2014 but thathas since dropped to 61%, one of the lowestratings in this year’s survey.

Value for money may be a key factor indeciding the destination for a family holidayabroad, but the survey found thatoverspending is still widespread oncefamilies reach their holiday hotspot. Ontheir last trip abroad parents budgeted anaverage of £715 to pay for meals and otherresort costs, a 12.6% year-on-year rise, butonly 25% stuck to this – a 5% point fall onthe previous year. Instead more than half offamilies bust their budget by an average of£219, a 30% overspend.

Andrew Brown of Post Office TravelMoney said: “Cost is bound to be the majorfactor for most parents planning a familyholiday abroad and it is encouraging to seethe high level of awareness about theimportance of factoring in resort prices tocalculate the overall budget. The good newsfor holidaymakers is that prices havetumbled in many European destinationsthanks to a combination of improvedexchange rates and lower prices in resorts.Families can check this year’s prices fordestinations they are considering on ourwebsite.”For details seewww.postoffice.co.uk/holidaycosts2015

COCKTAIL PARTY…

Post Office Travel Money Research finds Balearic Islandsrated top value as families put resort costs above all else

This Week3 news

kids rate time with thefamily as top priority forholidays

8 notes from normantonSandy returns from aHalkidiki fam trip

9 agent bulletinagents are offered a four-night break with Haven from£59

11 puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku for yourchance to win a £50 M&Svoucher

12 bulletin briefinga round-up of news fromAdvantage’s overseasconference in Bodrum

14 digital dialoguehow technology plays animportant role in inspiringtravellers

15 air travelsurvey finds higher level ofinterest for in-flight connec-tivity in Europe

17 event bulletinpictures from TravelBulletin’s Airline Showcaseevent in Manchester

18 personality bulletinthe UK account manager ofTravel & Tourism Marketingis in the hot seat

19 italyhow to create new opportu-nities for clients by encour-aging ‘Slow Travel’

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RESEARCH HAS revealed that aswimming pool, spending time withtheir family and not being at school arewhat British kids crave from a holiday.Whilst parents spend hours searchingfor the ultimate family holiday package,offering the perfect combination ofprice, location and hotel star rating,the kids couldn’t care less.

The survey of 1,000 of six-12 yearolds, conducted by Monarch, revealedthat not being at school came out topfor more than a third of children(34%), followed by spending lots oftime with the family (27%).

On arrival in the chosen resort,messing around in the water isessential for a successful holiday,

with a nice pool (33%), waterslide(18%) and a kids’ only pool (9%)topping the list for most importanthotel feature according to thosesurveyed. Home comforts are alsokey with children, with a TV being themost important hotel room item(20%), followed by a comfy bed (18%)and Wi-Fi (15%).

JET2.COM and Jet2holidayshave launched their biggestflights and holidaysprogramme for summer2016, which features 209routes to 51 destinationsacross the Mediterranean,Eastern Mediterranean,Canary Islands and topEuropean cities.

A total of 5.9 million seatswill be available next yearacross seven UK bases,three million of which are totop Spanish destinations.

Key developments includethe leisure operator’sbiggest growth at EdinburghAirport with 12 newdestinations includingAntalya, Crete, Dalaman,Gran Canaria, Lanzarote,Paphos, Rhodes andTenerife, plus exclusiveroutes to Kefalonia,Larnaca, Vienna and Zante;significant growth atNewcastle InternationalAirport with a seventhaircraft and more than750,000 seats to 29destinations; an exclusivedestination for Northern

Ireland, Fuerteventura, plustwo new routes for EastMidlands Airport - theGreek island of Kefaloniaand Italian city, Verona; andfurther growth at GlasgowAirport with 50,000 moreseats.

Steve Heapy, CEO ofJet2.com and Jet2holidays,said: “This is going to beour biggest season ever. Weknow travel agents want togive their customers evenmore opportunities to go onholiday to their favouritedestinations. This is why weare adding more new andexciting places for people tovisit plus increasingcapacity and adding earlierflights to our most popularleisure routes.

"We are a fast growingbusiness and Edinburgh isan important base for us.We want to give our loyallocal customers even morechoice and flexibility when itcomes to their holidayplanning for next year. The12 new routes are whatlocal people have been

asking for and with the fourexclusive routes –Kefalonia, Larnaca, Viennaand Zante – we are givingpeople new and excitingplaces to visit. Agents cancertainly capitalise on theexclusive new routes asthey are fantastic, brand

new places for people tovisit. It’s also the first timethey can sell our greatvalue package holidays tothe Canary Islands, GreekIslands and EasternMediterranean." For further information visittrade.jet2holidays.com

Last chance to vote!Voting closes this Friday for Travel Bulletin’s Star Awards

2015, so it’s your very last chance to vote for yourfavourite suppliers. Visit

www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/how-to-vote. The awardsshortlist will be revealed on Friday June 26.

Jet2.com & Jet2holidays announce new destinations for summer 2016

Steve Heapy (left) from Jet2.com and Gordon Dewar fromEdinburgh Airport celebrate the new launch

A swimming pool & time with the family are kids' top priorities for holidays

www.travelbulletin.co.ukMay 29 20154

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Launch of CMV's Magellan world cruiseCruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced the launchof its first Round the World Cruise on its new flagship,Magellan, which will set sail from Tilbury on January 5, 2017circumnavigating the globe over four leisurely months cruisingvia the West Indies, Panama Canal, French Polynesia,Australasia, South East Asia and the Far East, India, the RedSea, Suez Canal and the Holy Land and Med, before returningto Tilbury on May 5.

Nine shorter cruise sector options are also available basedon Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore itineraries.

Early booking twin saver fares represent savings of up to40% and start from £8,999 or £75 per person, per night with areduced 25% single supplement on superior grades startingfrom £13,629. Call 0844-963 0000 for details.

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Summer breaks at Butlin’s from £95 BUTLIN’S IS offering families deals on selected shortbreaks during the school summer holidays.

From July 17 to September 4, three- and four-nightbreaks start from £95 per person and are available at allthree seaside resorts.

Entertainment for the summer includes the formerRedcoat Stephen Mulhern, who returns with a variety showon every midweek break during the school holidays.Diversity will also perform live on selected breaks and theBig Top Circus is back, complete with performances fromtrapeze artists, aerial gymnasts and circus clowns.

Families with tots can also enjoy PLAY-DOH’s new‘PLAY-DOH Live’ show, Tree Fu Tom and Cbeebies star Katyin her new show ‘It’s Time with Katy’.

Prices are based on four sharing a standard self-catering apartment at the Minehead resort, based on anAugust 31 arrival for four nights.

Explore launches new tours toUzbekistan, China and IndonesiaEXPLORE HAS launched three new Discovery tours toChina, Indonesia and Uzbekistan, taking customers offthe tourist trail to gain an authentic travel experience.Whether it’s exploring the Silk Road, searching forKomodo Dragons or celebrating the Chinese New Year atDejilin Monastery; there is a unique and excitingadventure for everyone.A new Highlights of Uzbekistan option offers a seven-

day tour to the Silk Road cities in Central Asia. This fastpaced adventure takes customers on a journey to thewalled city of Khiva, through the old caravan route toBokhara and to the monuments in Registan Square inSamarkland. Customers will also learn about thecolourful history of the Silk Road and explore the capitalof Tashkent. Tours depart in September and October andcost from £1,099 per person including flights; six nights'hotel accommodation with breakfast; transport; and theservices of a tour leader, driver and local guides.The company's new Volcanoes, Dragons and Beaches

is a 12-day tour to the islands of Bali, Flores and Komodoin Indonesia. It visits Ubud and its Balinese temples,Kelimutu - famous for its three colourful acid craterlakes and Komodo National Park to go in search of theinfamous Komodo dragon.Customers will also spend a night on the waters of the

Komodo archipelago as well as relax on the beaches ofSanur. Tours depart in September and October and costfrom £1,872 including flights; ten nights’ hotel and onenight boat accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis;transport; and the services of a tour leader, driver andlocal guides.Meanwhile, a 14-day Festivals of Yunnan tour of China

takes in the Chinese New Year celebrations including theMidu Huadeng Festival, known as the Flower LanternFestival. During the trip, guests will also visit a giantpanda sanctuary in Chengdu and explore the Shaxi Fridaymarket. Customers will welcome in the New Year atDejilin Monastery while watching traditional dances andblessings. Tours depart in February 2016 and cost from£2,747 including flights; seven nights’ hotel and sixnights’ guesthouse accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis; transport; and the services of a tourleader, driver and local guide.For more information or to book visit www.explore.co.uk,or call 01252-884723.

Explore the South West from Norwich OMEGA HOLIDAYS is offering a new seven-night escortedholiday by air to Devon, Cornwall and the Eden Project,departing on Sunday July 26 from Norwich.

It includes flights, three-star accommodation with athree-course dinner and breakfast, transfers, admission tothe Eden Project and full day excursions to Torquay andDartmoor National Park.

Prices lead in at £599 per person and the company isalso offering a flight-only option from £99 return.For further information visit www.omega-holidays.com

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LATE DEALS with 50% offpublished fares are beingoffered by Amadeus RiverCruises on bookings madeby May 31, for a selection ofdepartures on its eight-dayClassical Danube sailingson Amadeus Silver and thenewly-launched AmadeusSilver II.

Net rate prices start from£525 per person (cruiseonly) on three departures –June 21, August 16 andOctober 1 and includetransfers from Nuremberg(for Passau) or Budapestairport or rail station to thevessel.

Sailing from eitherPassau or Budapest, thecruise calls at Regensburg,Linz, Melk, Weissenkirchen,Vienna, Bratislava andEsztergom.

Also included in the priceis a cocktail reception,welcome dinner and

Captain’s gala dinner;gourmet dining with allmeals included; free-flowing quality red andwhite wines, beer and softdrinks with every dinner onboard; complimentary Wi-Fi; and entertainmentincluding lectures, cookingdemonstrations and musicperformances.

A choice of fourexcursion packages isavailable with prices from£78 for a programmefeaturing four city tours,rising to £363 per personfor the most comprehensiveoption featuring a minimumof 12 tours along the route.

The cruise-only ratesenable agents to build abespoke package to meettheir clients’ requirements.For further information call01252-714477 or visitwww.amadeusrivercruises.co.uk

SCENIC HAS issued its2016 Europe River Cruisebrochure, which showcasesa comprehensive portfolioof all-inclusive journeysthrough central Europe,France, Russia andPortugal. Highlights include new

Portugal cruises on ScenicAzure; an enhancedcollection of Enrichexperiences andFreechoice activities; lowerprices; and acomprehensive list ofinclusions and destinationinformation.To mark the launch,

guests who book their 2016river cruise by July 31 willsave a minimum of £1,500per couple, with additionalsavings available onselected Frenchdepartures.Prices start from £1,495

per person, based on aneight-day Danube Delightsadventure from Nurembergto Budapest. Meanwhile, for every

2016 Scenic river cruisebooking made, agents wina prize and earn a letter.The aim of the game is tosell a total of six cruisesand spell out ‘WONDER’ infull to be awarded the topprize of a luxury cruise fortwo. To order the brochure visitwww.tradegate.co.uk [email protected] register 2016 bookings.

Game of Thrones deals by SuperBreak GAME OF THRONES fans can now enjoy a short break inIreland with the chance to explore two of the main areaswhere the show's most iconic scenes were created. SuperBreak has launched two new tours that can be

added to any hotel booking. Highlights of a Wasteros Tour,which leads in at £35 per person, include Cushendun tovisit the cave which featured Melisandre giving birth to theshadow assassin; Ballintoy Harbour where Theon Greyjoycomes back to Pyke Harbour; Larrybane - where Renlyswears to Lady Stark that he will avenge Ned's death, butmeets his end at the hands of the shadow assassin; TheDark Hedges where Arya Stark makes her escape downThe Kings Road; and a visit to Giant’s Causeway.A Winterfell Tour leads in at £40 and highlights include

Tollymore Forest Park – to visit the place where the DireWolf Pups were discovered, and also where theWhitewalker ambush took place; Inch Abbey – the sitewhere Lady Catelyn Stark heard of Ned’s death, and whereRobb was then made King of The North; and finallyAudley’s Castle and Castle Ward – the location used forKing Robert Baratheon’s arrival at Winterfell andnumerous other scenes featuring the Stark family. Tours can be added to any Belfast hotel when booking,

and overall packages cost from £122.50 per personincluding two nights' room-only accommodation at thethree-star Ibis Belfast City Centre Hotel and the Game ofThrones Westeros Tour. For details visit www.superbreak.com/agents or call 01904-436000.

Scenic launches agent competition tomark launch of 2016 brochure

Last chance to offer up to 50% off with Amadeus


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The Louisiana Office of Tourism gave away up to £400 in Harrodsvouchers in February, through a competition with Travel Bulletin.Pictured with the state's Neil Jones is one of the winners, SharonMcConway from North America Travel Services, who won £250 invouchers.

SHOPPING SPREE...

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Enjoy diving in TabarkaDiscover the archaeological site of Dougga

HERE I COME.HERE I COME.www.cometotunisia.co.uk

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Brittany Ferries marks return of Barfleurvessel to Poole with new dealsBRITTANY FERRIES' Poole—Cherbourg ferry Barfleurreturned to service this month following an extensive ten-week, £10million refit and, to mark the occasion, thecompany is offering three value holiday offers toCherbourg.

A one-night 'Cruise & Stay' hotel break leads in at £64per person and is ideal for discovering the old port and LaCité de la Mer where guests can take in an exhibition onTitanic, see the aquarium and tour a decommissionednuclear submarine. The price includes return travel fromPoole or Portsmouth and one night’s breakfast stay at achoice of hotels. It is available for travel before June 30and from September 1.

Alternatively, a one-night 'Gourmet Break' costs from£89 and includes return travel from Poole or Portsmouth,one night’s breakfast stay at the Ambassadeur Hoteloverlooking the port and a three-course dinner andaperitif. The offer is available until June 27 and fromSeptember 8.

Meanwhile, a St Vaast la Hougue 'Cruise & Stay' hotelbreak leads in at £89 which includes taking a car, and isideal for guests who want to discover the Cotentinpeninsula. Additionally, customers are entitled to two-for-the-price-of-one entry to Cherbourg’s Cité de la Mer, whichoffers a unique insight into man's adventures under thesea.To book or for more information seewww.brittanyferries.com/offers or call 0871-244 1400.

BACK FROM a brilliant fam trip led by SandraBruce who is the UK representative for theHalkidiki Tourist Board – big thank you for

asking me! We had a lovely guide called Tania whomade sure we were where we were supposed to be& full of information. Stayed at the Capsis Hotel inThessaloniki and talk about brilliant service; wewere late arriving and even though the dining roomhad closed at 10.00 they still cooked us a fantasticmeal for 14 of us. One of the best things about thishotel is that a lot of the staff have been there manyyears. It was lovely to be greeted by Kostas, one ofthe doorman and he remembered me from last year.Was also great to be met by Anotoli again the nextmorning, who is so enthusiastic. The hotel has awonderful pool on the top floor where you can seethe city and it’s not far to walk to the harbour. Nextday it was off for a city tour and a visit to VerginaMuseum whish features treasures and the tomb ofKing Phillip II. Then on to the Kassandra Palace forone night - a lovely hotel on the beach which has anew spa. It was Athitos village the next morning fora stroll through the village and coffee at the BlueBay Hotel perched just above the beach, followed bylunch at one of my favourite hotels - Antigoni BeachResort, run by Christos and his family. It’s justacross from the beach and you would not believehow beautifully decorated the rooms are. We hadcoffee at the Thalassokipos Hotel with the mostfantastic views - what a wonderful chill out retreat.Dinner and overnight was at Porto Carras with itsown harbour, beach, horse-riding, watersports, spaand even its own wine cellar! Morning saw ussetting off to the Ouranoupolis region and a cruiseround Mt Athos Byzantine Monasteries where onlymonks live. We had lunch at Eagles Palace in alovely courtyard setting. I will tell you more aboutthe trip next time!

‘It is never too late to be what you might havebeen’ and ‘The more you lose yourself in somethingbigger than yourself, the more energy you will have’.

by SANDRA MURRAYin Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

[email protected]

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Newsbites� SWINGIN GRONINGEN, the largest free jazz festival inthe Netherlands, promises music lovers three days ofthe finest jazz, funk, soul, groove and dance musicfrom June 11-13. Flybe, operated by Stobart Air, isoffering seat-only prices from £39.99 one-way fromLondon Southend Airport. For details see www.flybe.com

� PHASE 1 of the new 'touch and go' public websiteswas unveiled as an option for homeworkers at theYour Holiday Booking conference in Crete earlier thismonth. The site is aimed at supporting agents whowant to showcase Yourholidaybooking.com stock,create new business and increase their client base. Itis free for YHB homeworkers and allows them to takeownership of their dedicated website, updating andpersonalising stock description and content.

� BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has revamped its website tomake it easier for agents to navigate the site andaccess information for customers. It gives agents thechance to extend their selling opportunities withinspiring itineraries and added value packages forSardinia, Sicily, Sorrento and Ischia as well as Maltaand its surrounding islands. See www.belleair.co.uk

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● SILVERSEA IS giving agents the chance towin a Mediterranean cruise in a new tradeincentive scheme. Any agent who makes aconfirmed booking by June 7 will beentered into the draw. During thecompetition, more than 1,500 limitededition chocolate bars are also beingdistributed to agents across the UK. Sixchocolate bars will contain a silver ticketwhich entitles the agent to a European shipvisit during the summer 2015 season, anda further 30 bars will offer a £20Love2Shop voucher.

● AGENTS CAN be in with a chance to winone of two £100 shopping vouchers as partof Travel 2’s new ‘Experience VirginAustralia’ campaign by making a booking(including Virgin Australia flights) by June14. Meanwhile, agents who make a newbooking to Las Vegas that includes flightsand minimum of three nights’accommodation by June 7 will be in withthe chance of winning £500 towards aVegas-style night out. For details visit www.travel2.com

● AURORA EXPEDITIONS has extended itsAntarctic Agent incentive and is givingagents until Monday (May 31) the chanceto earn a $250 cash card for everyAntarctic booking made (in addition tocommission) on selected 2015/16 seasondepartures. Agents need to return theirclients’ completed booking and depositon the following departures to be eligiblefor the cash card incentive: Scotia SeaSpringtime (November to December 8),Spirit of Antarctica (December 8-19),Christmas in Antarctica (December 19-29) and New Year in Antarctica(December 27 to January 6, 2016). For details [email protected]

● COSMOS TOURS & Cruises is offeringagents the chance of winning a pair oftickets to see the West End musical‘Memphis’ plus an overnight stay at aLondon hotel. Runner-up prizes includetwo pairs of tickets to visit ‘Elvis at the O2:The Exhibition of His Life’. Any agentmaking a booking on any of the company’sNorth American holidays before June 5 willbe entered into the prize draw. Agentsshould email their name, ABTA numberand booking reference [email protected]

Visions Holiday Group and Turkish Airlines recently hosted a fam trip to Istanbuland the Bodrum Peninsula. Pictured at a tulip festival in Istanbul are, from the left:Julie Croucher, Travel with Jules; Maria Gethins, Worlds Apart Travel; AbbeyThomas, Visions Holiday Group; Laura Rattue, Bath Travel; Melanie Knight,Courtney World Travel; and Maddie Kipps, Visions Holiday Group.

Booking incentives


agentbulletinAGENT COMPETITION

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has teamed up with SonomaCounty, Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe andUnited Airlines on a new campaign called ‘SIP &SKI 365’, which runs until July 10. The campaignaims to showcase northern California at its bestand includes a weekly mailshot to agents andagency window flyers. It also includes a competi-tion offering agents the chance to win a SIP & SKIexperience including Economy flights with UnitedAirlines, three nights in Sonoma Wine Country,three nights in Sacramento and three nights inSouth Lake Tahoe, plus activities in all threedestinations and car hire. To enter visit www.sipandski365.co.uk

AGENT OFFERHAVEN IS giving agents the chance to take a four-

night break with their families for £59 per family.

Agents can book a break on selected dates in June

and the price is based on a family sharing a deluxe

two- or three-bedroom caravan that sleeps up to six

or eight people. To book visit www.bourneleisure-

sales.co.uk and complete the form under the tab

‘For You – Educationals’ and email to

[email protected]

TULIP TALES....

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COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its latest consumermarketing campaign for the summer season focusing ongreat value deals, with the added promise of a uniqueservice offered by Cosmos Concierge.

Entitled ‘Make your holiday a HoliYAY’, the new creativecampaign focuses on the excitement of booking and going onholiday, with the holiday ‘yay’ moments - made better byCosmos Concierge, which is exclusive to customers.

Operated by experienced and knowledgeable overseasstaff, the service offers free of charge advice on a widerange of local services and is available to customers prior toand during their holiday, and also when customers returnfrom their travels. No request is too large or too small -from advising on the local supermarket that offers the best

value for money, to arranging for a beach to be sectioned offfor a wedding proposal.

The operator is highlighing a range of deals includingthousands of holidays less than £199 per person whenbooked by June 12.

Commenting on the campaign, the company's marketingDirector, Kevin O’Regan, said: “There is a perception that akeenly priced holiday means compromise – inconvenientflight times or a restricted choice of hotels or destinations.We want our customers who are looking for a great deal forsummer 2015 to know that with us this is not the case. Theycan get great value with all the added benefits of CosmosConcierge."For further information see www.cosmosagents.co.uk

AVALON WATERWAYS haslaunched its European 2016brochure featuring a choiceof river cruises withdurations from eight-24days, savings of up to£1,400 off per couple aswell as a £25 Love2Shopvoucher incentive for agentsmaking bookings beforeJune 30.

The 2016 full Europeanprogramme includes cruiseson the new Suite ShipsAvalon Passion and AvalonImagery II, due for delivery inspring 2016.

Avalon Passion will sailthe longer river cruiseitineraries including the 11-day ‘Legendary Danube’, the

13-day ‘Blue DanubeDiscovery’, the 13-day‘European Splendour’ and14-day ‘Blue Danube’ to theBlack Sea. Avalon Imagery IIwill sail the eight-day‘Romantic Rhine’.

Lead in prices, to includethe early booking savings,are from £1,495 per personfor an eight-day ‘Paris toNormandy Landing Beaches’cruise.

The two new ships willbring the number of SuiteShips to 12 and fleet total to16.

All Suite Ships have twodecks of Panorama Suites at200sq.ft, 30% larger thanindustry standard,

representing 80% ofstaterooms on each ship.

All are well-appointedwith wall-to-wall slidingpanoramic windows openingto create an open-airbalcony, as well as largeprivate bathrooms with fullshower, spacious storage,L’Occitane bath products,Comfort Collection beds andEgyptian cotton linens.

Two new cruises will beintroduced for 2016 featuringHolland and Belgium. Aneight-day ‘Charms ofHolland and Belgium’ costsfrom £1,719 per person(which includes a £350 perperson saving) features thehistorical cities ofAmsterdam, Antwerp andGhent and landmark sightsof the windmills ofKinderdijk, as well as thespring blooms of theKeukenhof Gardens plus thetowns of Willemstad andMiddelburg.

A nine-day ‘Pride ofBelgium’ leads in at £1,765and includes a £350 perperson saving. It featuresvisits to the Battlefields ofYpres and Eastern Flanders,as well as guided visits toMaastricht, Antwerp andGhent. Departures areavailable throughout April.

Two new history themedcruises for 2016 include thenewly introduced ‘Pride ofBelgium’ cruise featuring aspecial WWI themeddeparture on April 4, and thenewly named ‘Danube

Dreams’ cruise featuring aspecial themed departure onApril 13 on the history of theHapsburg Empire. Bothfeature special on-boardlectures.

Meanwhile, three newspecial ‘beer themed’departures have beenintroduced on ‘Charms ofHolland & Belgium’ (April12), ‘Danube Dreams’ (March30) and ‘Blue DanubeDiscovery’ (November 9).

All will include discoveringmore about regional beerswith on-board tastings andlectures, as well as visits tohistoric breweries and apairing dinner with beerschosen to complementregional dishes.

The 2016 programme willoffer the most flexiblechoice of travel options withflights from up to 21 UKairports, connecting railtravel from the UK to allEuropean cruises withovernight city stops en-route, as well as the choiceof making own travelarrangements.

Early booking savings areavailable on bookings madebefore June 30 and pricesinclude flights, a privatehome pick up service(within 100 miles of thedeparture airport orstation), transfers, sevennights' full board luxurycruise accommodation, arange of guided excursions,onboard gratuities and alltaxes.

Up to £1,400 off per couple & agent incentive from Avalon Waterways

New summer campaign from Cosmos Holidays puts focus on value & service


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Air Transat hosted a breakfast Q&A session and an aircraft tour ofan Airbus A330 for 14 agents at Glasgow Airport recently. Picturedon the tour are, from the left: Cheri Smith, Travel 2; Jim French,Walter Wolfe and Joselin McGhee, Travel Counsellors; KennyDonnelly, GLA Airport; Lisa Larose, Air Transat; and GrahamEadie, Glen Travel.

IN TRANSAT...

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puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Fitou is produced in this wine region.

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, June 4th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 021

Travagrams

Across 1. P&O family-friendly cruise ship (7)4. Help yourself to cash here, initially (3)6. Private island on the Thames at Twickenham,

___ Pie (3)8. City where you can visit Napoleon's

birthplace (7)9. The largest island of the Cyclades (5)11. Sicily's highest Mount (4)12. Edinburgh airport code (3)14. American actress, ___ Hathaway (4)15. One of the New England states (5)17. Belgian city and port (7)19. Swanky San Francisco district, ___ Hill (3)20. Gardeners' World presenter, Monty (3)21. Former currency of Greece (7)

Down 1. City host of the recent Eurovision Song

Contest (6)2. Country initially, with Atlantic and Pacific

coastlines (3)3. City home of Disneyland (7)4. Georgetown is the capital of this remote

South Atlantic island (9)5. EastEnders lottery winners Alfie and Kat who

recently left Albert Square (4)7. Kentucky city, known as the Horse Capital of

the World (9)10. Popular summer and winter resort in the

Tyrol (7)13. Belgrade is the capital (6)16. Currency of South Africa (4)18. Flag carrier of Pakistan, initially (3)

Where Am I?

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

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

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

021

Tour operator specialising in trips to China, Southeast Asia, Japan and India

Louisiana’s ‘Big Easy’ on the Mississippi river

Study Rune Wow

Wear Nelson

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

S03 TB2905 2015 News 2_Layout 1 27/05/2015 10:50

GIVEN THE Advantage conference is a key event onour annual calendar, you will not be surprised tolearn that a review of the conference will form the

basis of my column this month. I am also conscious that many of the key themes of

the conference have already been covered in TravelBulletin and whilst I would be very happy to go overthem again, I suspect you may consider it overkill.

As an alternative, I want to give you an insight into theevent from an organiser’s perspective, starting with therationale for spending so much time and effort creatingthe event in the first place.

In essence, our annual conference largely typifies thecore purposes of the Advantage Travel Partnershiporganisation which are:

•To truly understand our members and their businessesand to provide services, advice and support to improvethe quality of them.

• To serve as a communications hub between ourmembers and key business partners, both in the leisureand business travel sectors of the market.

• To create a culture of belonging and a family spiritwhere companies and individuals enjoy doing businesswith one another.

As you can see, those core values essentially form thecornerstone of our conferences in that we bring like-minded people together to share a common experience,where new ideas on business improvements can bepresented and debated, in an environment of trust,understanding and enjoyment.

As far as the environment is concerned, it is fair to saythat the beautiful holiday resort surroundings providedby the Sea Garden Resort and Mark Warner, helped toamplify the sense of belonging in that Advantageconference delegates largely had exclusive access to theentire resort.

Extending the wider membership metaphor, we alsorealise that our members pay a fee to be part of theorganisation and it is important that they obtain valuefor money for the services provided to them. Ourmembers also have to go to considerable lengths toattend our conference; we never underestimate the

time, effort and cost that goes into attendance. Which iswhy it is important to survey each of our delegatesfollowing the event to understand the things that theyenjoyed and found of value in and, equally as important,the areas for improvements. In the build up to our 2015conference, we implemented a number of changes tothe overall event directly as a consequence of feedbackreceived from our 2014 conference in Dubai. I suspectthat we make further adjustments to next year’sprogramme following delegate feedback in Bodrum.

Looking ahead to our 2016 conference, the event willbe very different again as we have decided to build theconference around a mini cruise. Taking place duringthe middle of April, the conference will allow us tocombine on-board conference sessions and events aswell as shore excursion to leading Mediterraneandestinations - a real mix of business and pleasure. Itshould also be noted that given the scale andimportance of the cruise market to UK travel agents, itis highly appropriate that we should choose to hold ournext major event on a cruise ship, that ship being MSCFantasia, the flagship vessel in the MSC fleet.

And so things move on and the curtain comes downon another Advantage conference, but we will never losesight of the opportunity to create environments ofmutual learning for our members and business partnersto improve the quality of service that they are offeringtheir customers.

Industry Insight by...

It’s a family affair: Colin O’Neill, business development director at The Advantage TravelPartnership, offers an insight into the planning of the group’s annual overseas conference

bulletinbriefing

"Looking ahead to our 2016conference, the event will be verydifferent again as we have decidedto build the conference around amini cruise. Taking place during themiddle of April, the conference willallow us to combine on-boardconference sessions and events aswell as shore excursion to leadingMediterranean destinations…"


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Insight issues Europe 2015/16autumn, winter & spring collectionINSIGHT VACATIONS has launched its 2015/16 Autumn,Winter & Spring Europe programme including theEastern Mediterranean and Christmas Markets.

The new brochure includes 40 premium class andluxury holidays, with prices up to 28% lower than thesummer programme. It also features three newChristmas Markets itineraries in Poland, Austria andItaly, plus three new Insight Gold Luxury journeys inEgypt.

Paul Melinis, the operator's head of sales, said:"Along with perennial favourites like Alpine ChristmasMarkets and Winter Wonderland we are very excited tobe adding three new itineraries that visit some of thelesser known Christmas Markets in Poland, Austria andItaly. All of our itineraries offer unique SignatureExperiences like meeting a local stallholder at theVienna Christmas Markets and sampling the Austriandelicacy of Linzer Torte or taking a horse-drawn carriagethrough the Tyrolean Capital of Innsbruck.”

Signature Experiences on other itineraries include apaella cooking demonstration in Valencia with a masterchef and a journey by cable car and cogwheel railway inSwitzerland to a mountain summit for views over LakeLucerne.

The new 2015/16 winter programme also re-introduces the company's Egypt itineraries, with threenew Gold Luxury journeys, each of which incorporatecruising on the all-suite River Tosca on the Nile.

As an example of prices, a seven-day ChristmasMarkets of Germany, Austria & Italy leads in at £1,675per person and travels from Munich to Venice, visitingfive Christmas Markets at a leisurely pace. It Includes avisit to Italy’s largest Christmas Market in Bolzano,where guests have the chance to meet a stall holder andenjoy a mug of steaming mulled wine and a piece of thelocal Zelten Christmas Cake. A festive horse andcarriage ride in the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck is alsooffered as a Signature Experience. Departures areavailable from November 29 to December 15.

The company is offering guests an early paymentdiscount of up to 7.5% off selected 2015/16 WinterEurope tours when they book and pay in full by August 31.For more information visit www.insightvacations.com orcall 0800-206 1468.

Funway issues 2015/16 brochure FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is launching its latest USA 2015/16brochure this Monday, with new destinations plus specialfocus being placed on its range of holiday options available,including self-drive, coach, train, cruise and motorbikeholidays. Also highlighted in the new brochure areNational Parks with two new hotels featured in YosemiteNational Park area, plus more emphasis on ranch holidayswith the addition of Zapata Ranch in Colorado.

The brochure, bookable for travel until December 2016,features a total of 90 new properties in some of the US’most popular cities.

New destinations include Wyoming, Montana and Northand South Dakota, and prices start from £525 per personfor seven nights in Orlando, staying in a Disney Area privatethree-bedroom home including flights with Virgin Atlanticfrom Gatwick on November 18.For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk

WARNER LEISURE Hotels haslaunched two new shows to kick startthe summer season - ‘DestinationAnywhere’ and ‘It’s a Swing Thing’.

Performances will begin earlysummer and the shows will be splitacross all 13 of the company's historiccountry houses and coastalhideaways.

‘Destination Anywhere’ will offerguests a seat aboard the non-stopmusical express, with a line-up ofsongs inspired by the joy of travelling.The show will premiere at Gunton Hall

Coastal Village on July 9,Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel on July 14,Nidd Hall Hotel on July 15, HolmeLacy House Hotel on July 28, CricketSt Thomas Hotel on July 30, LakesideCoastal Village on August 4 andBembridge Coast Hotel on August 6.

Meanwhile, ‘It’s a Swing Thing’features infectious songs and toe-tapping dance routines as it paystribute to great swing pioneers suchas Glenn Miller, Bennie Goodman,Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. Theshow will premiere at Norton Grange

Coastal Village on June 30, CortonCoastal Village on July 8, Alvaston HallHotel on July 13, Thoresby Hall Hotelon July 16, Littlecote House Hotel onJuly 29 and Sinah Warren CoastalHotel on August 19.

Both shows are available duringmid-week and weekend breaks. Afour-night midweek break at LakesideCoastal Village in Hampshire startsfrom £219 per person, based on anAugust 3 arrival and two adultssharing a standard room on a SimplyDine package.

Warner Leisure Hotels launches new summer shows with four nights from £219

newsbulletin

18 independent travel agents from ten agencies in The HomeCounties attended the most recent workshop of BRIGHT (BringingReal Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training) in Ware, hostedby members from Viking River Cruises, Jersey Tourism, Cox & Kings,Explore, Kirker Holidays, Hurtigruten, Islas Canarias, 1st ClassHolidays and Veloso Tours. Pictured are, from the left: ElizabethBrackley and Frank Woolley of Romano Travel with Erika Fernandezof Islas Canarias. The next workshop and dinner events take place atThe Hotel Llyndir near Chester on June 2 and in Belfast on June 3 atTen Square Hotel. For details see www.brightconsortia.com or [email protected] to book or for details.

WARE TO MEET...

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technology

MSC CRUISES has developedfully immersive virtual realitytours of its ships inpartnership with Samsung.

The technology will beshowcased at Expo 2015 inMilan until October 31 andthen made available to topUK and European travelagent partners to enrich the

way clients are introduced tothe line’s experience at thetime of sale. Users can ‘walk’freely through key areas ofthe ship, take a seat in theship’s theatre, watch a showand, with the 360° sensorytechnology, smell aromasthat fill the air of the line’srestaurant.

Agent Facebook group from Club MedCLUB MED has created a Facebook group which allows itstrade team to educate and incentivise agents on newupdates, as well as help them to market to their clients.

The site posts the latest resort news in real-time, along withoffers, reviews and discounts, providing travel agents withmaterial to help sell the company’s holiday experience andencourage a two-way communication between the operatorand travel partners.

The group aims to ease the entire selling process for agentswith marketing materials, including downloadable flyers,window posters and videos of resorts available to share.

Virtual cruise ship experience from MSC


WHO ARE today's typical travellers? Generally speaking,they are digitally-savvy individuals, equipped withmultiple web-enabled devices. They regularly surf the

web, are engaged with social media and visit at least 20 sites forholiday research. More importantly, they expect a personalisedexperience with content that reflects their interests.

Sources of inspiration for leisure travel range from personalrecommendations and internet research (the two most popularsources) to TV, printed media and radio (lower down the list, butstill playing a part). What would-be travellers are looking for arereal-life stories that will engage, enthuse and reflect their owninterests. To feed this appetite for real-life stories, 76% oftravellers are posting photos on a social network and 46% sharetravel reviews. More than half of holidaymakers are inspired byfriends' Facebook posts, and social media is the main source oftravel ideas and inspiration for one in three travellers.

Travellers are becoming increasingly reliant on reviewsposted online. Research shows that these reviews are playing amajor part in the decision-making process for travellers, withthose aged 35 and under most likely to share their travelexperiences online – via social media in particular. It is also thisage group that are most influenced by online travel reviews.Regardless of demographics, online reviews are changing theface of travel, with 93% of travellers worldwide confirming thatonline reviews impact their booking decisions. The keychallenge for travel companies is exercising an effectivereputation management programme.

In terms of how brands can get involved in social, videosmake a good starting point. More than half of travellers willhave viewed an online video from a brand to find out more abouta destination or service. Videos help travellers make decisions,not just about where they want to go, but also where to stay andwhat to do when they get there.

One of the key challenges for brands in this initial stage ofthe customer journey is fully engaging with them. As a brandyou need to create interesting, relevant and visual content thatwill inspire your audience. You also need to encourage user-generated content in the form of reviews to empower yourbrand advocates. Add regular monitoring of activity to the mixand you have the first stage of the customer journey in the bag.

Another challenge that should be on every travel business'radar is personalisation; businesses must portray their brand ina way that treats every one of their customers as an individual.When travellers are presented with content that doesn't matchtheir interests – or their place within the buying journey – theyare less likely to remain on that site. Fact.

Another key focus needs to be creating cross-channelengagement whilst also maintaining consistency. Websites needto be dynamic and mobile-enabled to allow customers toconduct their research as and when they choose. Providing amore personalised experience based on users' profiles, onlinebehaviour and search patterns is something travel businessescan no longer ignore.

DIGITAL DIALOGUEIn this month’s column, Andy Speight, managing

director at Digital Trip, looks at how technology playsan important role in inspiring travellers...

InBrief● VIRGIN TRAINS is launching a trial of a new lost property recovery

system. With HomingPIN, customers receive a unique PIN code toregister on the website along with a luggage loop, key ring and aset of labels – each with their unique code printed on – which canbe attached to their possessions. If a lost item is found, the PINcode is entered on the website to be matched back to the owner. See www.homingPIN.com

● TRAVELPORT HAS announced a renewed long term agreementwith Deutsche Bahn. Since the creation of Travelport’s ‘RailMasterfor DB’ reservation tool, the system is now deployed in 18 countriesoutside of Germany and offers a mobile ticket service.

● THOMSON AND ITV are to offer a 50% discount on a month’ssubscription to ITV Essentials. Available on desktop, iPhone andiPad, ITV Essentials is offered in 12 European countries with a 30day catch up window. The partnership will run until November 10and the promo code is THOMSONTV.

● INTUITIVE HAS announced it now offers ‘mix & match’ flightsthrough its flagship reservation platform iVector. The flight searchcombines two single searches when a user looks for a returnflight. This enables them to find and book the most suitableflights even if the airline is different for the outbound andreturn journeys. See www.intuitivesystems.com

● A ‘SELF-sustaining community tech hub’ in the shape of a datepalm, The Smart Palm is a man-made tree that provides free Wi-Fiand information services as well as eight high-speed phone andtablet charging points for the public to use for free in Dubai’sparks and beaches. See www.visitdubai.com

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Survey reveals higher level of interestfor in-flight connectivity in EuropeGOGO INC., an aero communications service provider,recently conducted a global study on traveller interest inin-flight connectivity and connectivity related products andservices.

The study revealed that interest in these products andservices is significantly higher in Europe and the MiddleEast despite the fact that fewer connected aircraft areoperating in these regions compared to within the US.

The results found that 80% of air travellers in Europeand the Middle East are interested in using in-flight Wi-Fi,compared to 74% of US travellers and, when it comes towireless in-flight entertainment, 67% of travellers in theEurope and Middle Eastern regions show a strong interestcompared to 59% in the US.

According to the survey, air travellers within Europe andthe Middle East are more likely to carry their own Wi-Fienabled devices on a plane and, in most countries withinthe region, are more willing to pay for all in-flight serviceswhen compared to travellers in the US.

airtravel

InBrief● TAP IS offering value fares to Porto for a spring getaway, starting

from £120 return. The carrier flies from Gatwick to Porto 14 timesweekly. To book visit www.flytap.com or call 0345-601 0932.

● THOMAS COOK Airlines has confirmed its ongoing commitmentto Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands Airports throughextension of its agreements for a further five years at each airport.To celebrate the commitment to Manchester Airport, the airlinehas also announced new routes with two flights a week to bothLos Angeles and Boston from May 2016.

● NORWEGIAN IS continuing to expand its long-haul network withnew direct routes. From November, the airline will launch a non-stop service between Gatwick and the Caribbean island of PuertoRico, and from this month, Pula in Croatia has been added as anew destination from Gatwick. The airline is also adding moreweekly flights between Gatwick and New York.

● JET AIRWAYS has increased the number of codeshare flights itoffers with strategic partner, Etihad Airways, to include newdestinations in North America, Europe (Edinburgh) and Australia.

Qantas launches ‘Joey Club’ QANTAS’ YOUNGEST flyers will enjoy a range of new benefitswhen travelling with the airline, with the unveiling of ‘The Joey Club’.

Children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles, has joined thecarrier in the new programme which aims to creatememorable and engaging travel experiences for children andtheir families.

Initiatives of the club include a novelty passport for newAustralian-based Frequent Flyer members (aged three-ten)where they can record details of their flight; dedicated kids’menus in domestic lounges, including made to ordersandwiches in animal shapes, fresh fruit and snacks such aspopcorn and sultanas; and larger investment in children’sinflight entertainment channels.

To celebrate the launch of the new club, the airline iswaiving the normal joining fee of $89.50 to offer acomplimentary membership for children at qantas.com/kidsuntil December 31.

Bangkok Airways has joined oneworld’s Global Explorer round-the-world fare programme as operating carrier only. It is the firsttime that the carrier’s flights have been made available through around-the-world fare. Global Explorer offers simple and flexibleworldwide travel with prices based on the cabin class chosen andthe total distance travelled. For details visit www.bangkokair.com

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LUFTHANSA LIFT OFF…Paul Bullough (left) from Lufthansa Groupwith Holiday Getaway agents Paul McMahon and Angela Lucas.

CANADIAN CHEERS…Kevin Rogers(left) from Air Canada enjoys drinkswith Caroline Whitmore and DanielBaker from Egenzia.

AIRLINE APPETISERS…Agents from KuoniTravel catch up at the showcase. From theleft are Michelle Shore, Joyce Buxton andDavid McKenzie.

WINE WINNINGS…First prize in thebingo game went to Fae Bowman(right) from Bowman TravelServices, who is pictured withGemma Reeve from Travel Bulletin.

BINGO WINNER…Receiving aprize from the evening’s bingocompetition is Anna Hope(right) from Thomas CookAltrincham with TravelBulletin’s Gemma Reeve.

Travel Bulletin recently held an Airline Showcase event at theRadisson Edwardian Blu in Manchester. Agents had the opportunity tomeet up with a variety of suppliers, enjoy a buffet evening meal plusthe chance to win a selection of prizes…

MANCHESTER

CONDOR CONGRATS…JillWaite from Pole Travelcollects a prize fromMalcolm Aldcroft of Condor.

WINE TASTING....Matt Walder from Aegean ispictured with Rebecca Eaton (left) fromIncorporate Travel Management and Debbie Reidfrom Key Travel.


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WINNING SMILE…Jade Edwards fromSTA Travel wins a prize fromLufthansa’s Paul Bullough.

LISTEN UP…Agents take note during one ofthe evening’s many engaging presentations.

S04b TB2905 2015 Pixmix_Showcase_Layout 1 27/05/2015 12:41

KOREAN KUDOS…Winner of Korean Air’s prize was NunoMartins (left) from Flight Centre Oxford Road, who ispictured with the carrier’s Rob Brettell.

IN THE BAG…Heidi Deverell from PrestburyTravel Group picks up her prize from KeithHarrison of Cathay Pacific.

ICE INCENTIVE…David McKenzie (left)from Kuoni Travel collects his prizefrom Icelandair’s Nick Beauchamp.

GIFTING GOODIES…Lynda Betsch (left) from Aegean presents agoody bag to winner Julie Healey from Prestbury Travel Group.

TRAVEL TREATS…Picking up her prize from AirCanada’s Kevin Rogers is winner Victoria Costellofrom Travel Counsellors.

HIGH-FLYING HAMPERS…Daniel Bakerfrom Egenzia receives a hamper fromJane Beeley of United Airlines.


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CONSIDERING CONDOR…Agents are allears at Condor’s table.

HAVING A LAUGH…Denise Hodgson fromRed Carpet Travel has a chuckle withTravel Bulletin’s Simon Eddolls.


personalitybulletin


UK account manager – New Orleans, Louisiana, Dallas & Maverick Aviation, Travel & Tourism Marketing

What's your favourite household gadget?Sky+ Box, no question. It’s the bestinvention in recent times!

What are your favourite TVprogrammes?Suits, Game of Thrones, Soccer Saturday,Elementary – I’m a bit late to it, but reallyinto Prison Break right now!

Who does the cooking?Me. I love to get in the kitchen if I havetime to prepare and cook.

What's a typical weekend for you like?Depends on the weather, winter indoors onthe sofa watching all my Sky+ recordings,summer I have to be outdoors as much aspossible.

What's your guilty pleasure?Quavers – nothing more to say on that.

What do you do to relax?Go to the gym more often than not, there’sno better stress relief! Or lie on a beach inthe Caribbean works kind of well on thatfront!

What music do you listen to?My iTunes is pretty eclectic Blink 182 to BobMarley, Jamiroquai to Johnny Cash orProfessor Longhair to Passenger andanything in-between – NO Heavy Metalthough thanks! Current favourite is LindiOrtega if you’re interested?

What's your favourite movie?Depends on the mood but I can watch Fear& Loathing in Las Vegas any time, it’s justplain weird!

What's been your latest DIY project?Completely renovated my flat from top tobottom; blood, sweat and tears but soworth it all.

What other companies have youpreviously worked for?Virgin Holidays for the best part of ten yearsand prior to that Ashdown Park Hotel inSussex for six years.

If you could change one thing inthe industry what would it be?APD and by change it I mean get rid or atleast bring in line with other countries andapply fairly.

What personal item do you haveon your desk at work?Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Calendar.

What's the best thing about your job?Miss World type answer but getting to visitamazing and diverse destinations andworking with AWESOME people – that’stwo, but hey I’m lucky obviously!

What's a typical day like?There really is no such thing as a typicalday in representation apart from monthlyreport time on the 10th & 11th! Otherwisemy day can be any or all of the following;training sales agents, attending trade andconsumer shows, working on marketingproposals, creating itineraries, productplanning with tour operator partners,social media postings, planning or hosting

fam trips, attending industry events at coolvenues – tough life I know…and that’sjust the tip of the iceberg!

What's your favourite travel app?My Delta Air Lines App. It lets me knowwhere I’ve been and where I’m going!

Who has been your inspiration inthe travel industry?Angus Bond, a well-known and respectedman in the industry that gave me my firstopportunity to develop a career in traveland all round good guy!

What was the last email you received?An email from Kathy at American Affair toconfirm New Orleans and Louisianatraining in September.

What skill are you most proud of?Multi-tasking (yes males can do it!) it’sessential when working for multipleclients.

What do you love about the travel industry?A predominantly great bunch of peoplethat share a love for travel. Hey, none ofus do it because it’s going to make usmillionaires! Well unless your name isRichard Branson or Willy Walsh I guess?!

Neil Jones

Where would you most like to visit and why?I can’t decide between South America orThailand, Cambodia & Vietnam – they’resomewhat out of my English speakingcomfort zone and I’ve never been!

What's your favourite (non-workrelated) website?Sky Sports – no question! Football, F1, NFL& Boxing all in one place!

What's your most embarrassingmoment?My 19th birthday in Ibiza and the rep andmy mates pushed me on stage and rippedmy clothes off me in a bar – BAD TIMES!

What is your best quality?Generosity – I hope others would agree?

What are your hobbies?Going to the gym, football fanatic and not sureit counts as a hobby, but going on holidays?!

Do you have any nicknames?Far too many and very few appropriate forpolite company!

If you could invent a new law,what would it be?This can get very political – which I won’t,so how about everyone has to do at leastone quantifiable and entirely selfless acteach week?

At home

At work

At play



italyCreate new opportunities for clients

by encouraging ‘Slow Travel’

by ALESSANDRA SMITH, pressofficer at the Italian NationalTourist Board

THIS YEAR is special for Italy asMilan opens its doors this monthuntil the end of October for the

Universal Exhibition EXPO 2015‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’. It will be a great challenge and a

great opportunity for Milan (and therest of Italy) as, during these sixmonths, the city will become ashowcase for the largest global eventdedicated to food and the concernsand responsibilities related to food.

Culinary delightsThe event aims to answer some of themost important issues concerningfood production/consumption in agrowing world: from sustainability tozero-travel food, from obesity andstarvation to food culture andtraditions, and hopefully create alegacy on which to work after EXPOconcludes. Some 145 countries will participate

with their pavillions and the best oftheir technology, and it is expectedthat more than 20 million visitors willmake it to the 1.1million sq.m ofexhibition space. EXPO2015 will alsooffer a big party with thousands ofevents that will involve sensoryitineraries for visitors at the Nationalpavillions and dedicated clusters, aswell as plenty of concerts, exhibitions,events in Milan and throughout Italy.For more information seewww.verybello.it,www.expo2015.org/en/learn-more andwww.wonderfulexpo2015.com The theme of EXPO2015 fits well

and seemingly into the Italian culturethat traditionally pays a lot of attentionto the quality of its food and wines andfavours a less hurried pace of life. TheSlow Food Movement was born in Italy,in Piedmont in the 1980s, and it is nowan international movement thatdefends regional traditions, good foodand a slow pace of life, and recognises

a strong connection between plate,planet, people, politics and culture.

Slow down & get more doneFired by the success and support forSlow Food, the Italians set aboutinitiating the Slow Cities Movementand Slow Travel. Slow cities arecharacterised by a way of life thatsupports people to live slow. Traditionsand traditional ways of doing thingsare valued. These cities stand upagainst the fast-lane, homogenisedworld so often seen in other citiesthroughout the world. Slow cities haveless traffic, less noise and fewercrowds, and towns in Italy havebanded together to form anorganisation and call themselves theSlow Cities Movement.One of the defining elements of

Slow Travel is the opportunity tobecome part of local life and toconnect to a place and its people. Slowtravel is also about connection toculture and it’s not restricted to urbansettings. Many slow travel operatorsoffer self-catering accommodation inrural areas. One of the pleasures ofslow travel is the slow and thoroughexploration of the local area. Guestscan check out local markets andshops, savour café culture and dowhat the locals do, not only what theguidebooks say. Savouring theunexpected is also encouraged;delayed trains or missed busconnections can create newopportunities.Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow

Food Movement - September 2008,said: “We have lost our sense of time.We believe that we can add meaningto life by making things go faster. Wehave an idea that life is short and thatwe must go faster to fit everything in.But life is long. The problem is that wedon’t know how to spend our timewisely.”

A land of culture, art, design andhistory - with 50 UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites, Italy has more than anyother country on the World HeritageList. Guests can start discovering thiswith a virtual journey at www.italia.it

A site to seeVisitors can also discover thousands ofyears of heritage at our archaeologicalsites and in the many internationallyrenowned museums of our cities; feelart become alive at the VeniceBiennale, with its design andcontemporary art focus, or in one ofour many opera houses, like La Scala,La Fenice, Verona’s Arena; meet thebest in international writing atMantova’s Literary Festival, one of theLiterary Festivals organised in Italy, orget a chance to see films and actors atVenice Film Festival; check the best inItalian design and fashion in Milan andFlorence; and hire a costume and goto a Masked Ball or stroll throughVenice during carnival. These are justa few examples of all that Italy canoffer to the discerning traveller. Andwhen a break from the art scene iscalled for, visitors can indulge in someretail therapy.

Director’s choiceWith about 8,000km of coast, dramaticmountains and gentle hills, it’s no surprisethat Italy features regularly in films and TVprogrammes. Just recently, the InspectorMontalbano TV series reached largeaudiences in the UK and sparked a keeninterest in the areas of Sicily and of theprovince of Ragusa featured in the series.Other recently broadcasted TVprogrammes such ITV’s ‘Gino’s ItalianEscapes’, presented by Gino d’Acampo, andthe BBC’s ‘The Trip to Italy’, with RobBrydon and Steve Coogan, have provedpopular with UK audiences and haveinspired tourists to travel to Italy.

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Rome-antic break from Jet2.com JET2.COM is putting on an additional flight to Rome forEngland rugby union fans wanting to see their team takeon Italy in the Six Nations Championships next Valentine’sDay.Due to the anticipated high demand, the extra flight will

allow fans to take a romantic weekend whilst also seeingtheir sporting heroes on Italian soil. It will depart fromManchester Airport on February 12, 2016 at 09:55 andreturn at 14:55 on February 15. Fans can also fly fromManchester to Rome at the earlier time of 08:25 onFebruary 12, returning at 13:25 on February 15. Steve Heapy, the company’s CEO, said: “Rome is one of

our most popular destinations for a romantic Valentine’sbreak, so we’re expecting a high demand from Englandfans planning to combine a spot of rugby with romance. Wealways want to make sure our customers get to enjoy thethings that matter the most, so this additional flight willensure that they experience a memorable time, hopefullywith a win for England!”To book or for more information see www.jet2.com

Year-round city breaks from Inghams INGHAMS HAS added two new all-year round city breaks for thisyear.A three-night stay in Naples leads in at £459 including breakfast

accommodation at the four-star Hotel Mercure Centro Angioino,BA flights and transfers.A three-night stay in Palermo costs from £489 including

breakfast accommodation at the four-star Hotel Plaza Opera,easyJet flights and transfers.The operator has also introduced three new island getaways to

Elba, Capri and Ischia, with prices leading in at £875 for sevennights’ half-board stay at the four-star Hotel Regina Cristina inCapri. The price includes BA flights from Gatwick and transfers.Meanwhile, a selection of new properties have also been added

including four hotels in Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo in theLigurian Riviera; three hotels in Viareggio and San Vincenzo on theTuscan Coast; several new Tuscany villas and apartments in rurallocations; and new Explorer Holidays including the new ‘GloriousLakes & Gardens’ holiday which offers a seven-night tour of LakeGarda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. The company has also added several twin-centre options to link

mountain and lake resorts such as the new Lake Garda Highlightsitinerary featuring South and North Lake Garda. Desenzano is thebase for the first four nights before guests transfer by leisurely lakesteamer to Riva at the northern tip of the lake to spend a week in athree or four-star hotel. Saturday flights are available via Verona from £999 per person

including transfers, a full day tour of the Dolomites and Venice,plus a half day wine-tasting excursion. For more information see www.inghams.co.uk

FLY FROMYOUR

LOCAL AIRPORT

PRIVATETRANSFERS INCLUDED

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

5030

FLY DIRECT TO MILAN FROM 12 UK AIPORTSAny airline, any duration

ITALYLake Maggiore

5 Grand Hotel Majestic

5 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 4For stays until 17 Oct.

italy

which is located in the heart of Lombardy in northern Italy, ishighlighting a range of events and festivals taking place thissummer. They include the reopening of Carrara (pictured) withmasterpieces by Lotto, Rubens, Botticelli, Tiziano, Canaletto,Moroni and Pisanello; Palma il Vecchio exhibition, available atGamec Gallery until June 21; and an Expogelato event, which is onuntil June 30 and offers workshops, events and tastings that willreveal the history, recipes and the magic of a food that appeals toall generations.


BERGAMO

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The Sicily Specialist

£398

CHÂTEAUX & HÔTELSCOLLECTION has launched a winetrail break across a selection ofhotels in France and Italy to givewine lovers the opportunity toimmerse themselves in the art andtraditions of the vineyard in

stunning locations. The package includes a

minimum one night’s breakfaststay, a complimentary bottle ofregional wine, a visit to a winecellar or vineyard, at least oneoenological activity such as a

tasting or workshop; and anoptional dinner. The break costs from £134 for

one night based on two sharing,excluding dinner. For further information visitwww.chateauxhotels.co.uk

H29

italy

‘Wine Trail’ break from Châteaux & Hôtels Collection

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Western & Oriental has announced an expansion to itsItaly programme, which now offers an even more in-depthcollection of tailor-made escapes across the country.Incorporating bespoke itineraries, new rail journeys,multi-centres and the operator’s Italian Intelligentsiaexcursions, the new collection also encompasses severalnew destinations for the operator relatively unknown tothe UK holiday market, including the Valpolicella wineregion and San Teodoro in Sardinia.

As an example of prices, a seven-night alpine railadventure ‘The Scenic Route to Lake Como’ takes gueststhrough the snow-capped Swiss and Italian Alps fromZurich to Lake Como. Prices start from £1,625 per person based on two

sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis, includingaccommodation, private transfers and flights.For more information see www.westernoriental.com or call020-7666 1234.

TRAFALGAR HASadded a newseven-day ‘Secretsof Italy’ itinerarythat explores thedestination’sPiedmont region,famed for itsantipasti, amarettiand wines. Guests will

begin in Milanbefore taking ascenic drivethrough the AostaValley to reach theAlba Region for a

four-night stay inPollenzo. Highlights

include visiting themedieval town ofCherasco, learningabout the wine-making process, atour of Asti and aBe My Guestexperience at alocal family runwine estate. Guests will also

have the chance totake an excursionto Turin for a

sightseeing tour ofthe city with a localspecialist beforeheading back toMilan. Prices start from

£1,254 per personand include sixnights’ breakfastaccommodation,sightseeing andthe services of atravel directorthroughout.For moreinformation seewww.trafalgar.com

Secrets of Italy option from Trafalgar

Western & Oriental expands specialist Italy Collection with new destinations


italy

has introduced 'Secret Lakes of Italy', a tour of six relativelyunknown, tranquil lakes, from Lake Levico to Lake Caldaro. Pricesfor the eight-day escorted holiday start from £899 per person. Fordetails see www.travelsphere.co.uk or call 0800-987 5110.

Riviera’s Rome option from £559RIVIERA TRAVEL is featuring a five-day escorted tour toRome.

The tour is split into two days to offer visitors a morerelaxed experience.

Prices start from £559 per person including flights,transfers, breakfast accommodation in a centrally locatedfour-star hotel, guided excursions and the services of atour manager.For details see www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents

TRAVELSPHERE

InBrief� CHIESA DEL CARMINE is offering a 20% discount on allvilla stays taken by June 20. The villa, which sleeps up to14, is offering a special weekly rental rate of £3,969,discounted from £4,871 - a saving of more than £900. Acomplimentary four-course taster menu is also offered onarrival, and paired with Chiesa del Carmine wine, grownon the estate. See www.chiesadelcarmine.com

� A SEVEN-NIGHT ‘ITALIAN EXPRESSO’ is being offered byContiki which offers a short, strong hit of all things Italian.Guests can walk in the footsteps of Roman Emperors,throw their three coins in the Trevi fountain and tour thestreets of Venice. Prices start from £855 per personincluding breakfast accommodation, three regionaldinners, sightseeing and the services of a trip manager.See www.contiki.com

� THE REGION OF EMILIA ROMAGNA has launched a 2015campaign to promote the Via Emilia, the Roman roadrunning to Milan through the sunny seaside resort ofRimini, through the history-packed Piacenza area;stopping off in the picturesque towns and cities of Cesena,Faenza, Forlì, Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parmaalong the way. From the start to the end of the Via Emilia,travellers can expect to experience a series of diverse andunique itineraries, from exploring the home of the fast-carFerrari brand in Modena to sampling ParmigianoReggiano in its original birthplace in Reggio Emilia orParma, visiting the oldest university in the world inBologna, as well as appreciating UNESCO world heritagesights along the way.

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FOLLOWING THE success of its last'Winter Spirit' programme, RamblersWorldwide Holidays has expanded itslatest collection including snowshoeing,cross-country skiing, winter walking,sightseeing and Christmas markets.

As an example of prices, a one-weekAustrian Lake District Winter SportAdventure, which includes snowshoeingand cross-country skiing in Austria'sSalzkammergut region, leads in at

£1,085 per person. Highlights include the ascent (whilst

snowshoeing) to the Hochmuehlechwith panoramic views over theDachstein and Stoderzinken; crosscountry skiing around Lake Odensee;the scenery of the Kampl summit and astay at Apparthotel Montana in BadMitterndorf with its spa and wellnessfacilities.

The price includes flights, transfers,

half-board accommodation, the servicesof a local instructor, hire ofsnowshoeing and cross-country skiequipment, Salzkammergut AdventureCard (offering a price reduction on 130attractions in the region) and theservices of a tour leader. Departuresare from January 23, 2016.For details or to book seewww.ramblersholidays.co.uk or call01707-331133.

INGHAMS’ NEW 2015/16preview programmefeatures 91 resorts in ninecountries and a new ChaletHotel in Tignes, in theEspace Killy ski area.

The Chalet Hotel Curlingsleeps up to 62 guests andis located in Val Claret,Tignes, a short walk to thenearest lifts. It is home tothe operator’s new bar, theTiBar, already making an

impact on the après-skiscene, with live music andsports most night.

Prices lead in at £535 perperson including flights,transfers and seven nights’catered board for aDecember departure.

Also new is a train serviceto the Alps, providing a fulleight days’ skiing in a oneweek holiday. Guests departon Friday night from London

St. Pancras, then returnovernight on the followingSaturday. Arriving in theresort at breakfast time,guests can ski as soon asthey arrive and on thesecond Saturday, whilstother guests are on theirway back to the airport, railguests have another full dayon the slopes, as the returntrain does not leave untillate evening. The operator

provides eight days’ski/board and boot hire forthe price of six, and aseven-day lift pass for theprice of six days. Prices arefrom £455 including traintravel, transfers and sevennights’ catered boarddeparting in December andstaying at Chalet Côted’Arlin in Méribel.For more information seewww.inghams.co.uk

AT THE heart of the Three Valleys skiarea is the resort of La Tania, where SkiTotal has added two catered ski chalets.

The resort is positioned half waybetween Courchevel and Méribel andwas originally built for the 1992Albertville Winter Olympics. It has sincedeveloped into a full ski resort whilststill retaining its village charm andatmosphere, with access to the pistes.

Chalet James is in an ideal location

just next to the slopes which means thatvisitors can ski directly down to the lifts.The chalet is wooden-clad, set amongstthe trees and features six bedroomswith en suite facilities, many with abalcony. Prices lead in at £469 perperson.

Meanwhile, Chalet Beau Vallon islocated a snowball’s throw from themain piste, which means that guests canalmost ski to and from the door. The

property offers six bedrooms, all with ensuite facilities, with prices from £479.

Prices are based on two adultssharing and include flights, transfers,free Wi-Fi and seven nights’ cateredchalet accommodation includingbreakfast, afternoon tea and a four-course evening meal withcomplimentary wine. For more information seewww.skitotal.com or call 01483-791933.

Ski Total adds catered ski chalets in the Three Valleys with prices from £479

wintersports...is holding prices for skiing and snowboarding holidays in Bulgaria at the

same levels as last year with a lead-in of £244 per person for sevennights in Pamporovo including flights. The operator is now taking

bookings for wintersport holidays in Bulgaria, Slovenia and Romania.New for 2015/16 is free night skiing and boarding in Pamporovo, Bulgaria,

staying at the Hotel Perelik; free lift passes and 50% off full ski orsnowboard packs in Borovets, Bulgaria; pre-book an adult lift pass and

get a second free in Bansko, Bulgaria; free ski/board storage in Bansko;50% off ski and board equipment carriage on all the operator’s charterflights to Sofia; 15% off ski/snowboard services in Pamporovo; and 20%

off lift passes in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Early booking discounts of up to£151 per couple are available, as well as a 5% loyalty discount for

previous customers, free child places, single parent savings, groupdiscounts and free luggage allowance.

For details see www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-130 1114.

Inghams 2015/16 preview programme offers 91 resorts across nine countries

New 'Winter Spirit' collection from Ramblers Worldwide offers range of activities

BALKAN HOLIDAYS

S06 TB2905 2015 Winter Sports_Layout 1 27/05/2015 12:39

NEILSON HAS made some newadditions to its ski programme for2015/16, with new properties openingwithin its Mountain Collection portfolioand an inclusive Mountain Experts skiguiding and coaching service.

The company has recently issued its2015/16 Ski & Board brochure, whichfeatures winter properties acrossFrance, Austria, Andorra, Italy,Bulgaria and Spain, and includes arange of offers.

The Mountain Experts service offersfree guiding and coaching to MountainCollection holidays and is available atany of Neilson-run hotels or chaletswhere, throughout the week, guestscan enjoy ski guiding around the slopes

and take advantage of free coachingwith qualified ski or board instructors.

Meanwhile, new hotels and chaletsin the Mountain Collection includeHotel Escapade in Alpe D’Huez, France;Chalet des Cimes in Belle Plagne,France; and a selection of chalets inAndorra including Motxo and Casale inEl Tarter.

Also new for 2015 is Hotel Turquoisewhich was added to the collection inFebruary. Located directly on the pistein Belle Plagne and sitting within theParadiski area, the property offers ski-in, ski-out access as well as viewsacross the surrounding mountainsfrom all 25 rooms.

Set at 2,050m and completely car-

free, Belle Plagne is a popular choicewith families and beginners and offersaccess to 50 miles of cross countryslopes, nursery slopes, six children’ssnowy play areas and the Bellecoteglacier.

New offers include a two-for-one liftpass offer on all Neilson-run hotelsand chalets for bookings made byAugust 31; a guaranteed £50 savingper booking on all holidays booked byAugust 31; and up to 50% off kids’clubs on selected dates at HotelAalborg and Hotel Del Clos forbookings made by August 31. For further information visitwww.neilson.co.uk or call 0333-014 3350.

SIMPLY SWEDEN has launched a newthree-day Husky Expedition –Finnmark, which puts guests firmly inthe driving seat as they explore thewilderness landscape of the FinnmarkMountain Plateau in Northern Norwayleading their own team of huskies.

Guests will make a steep ascentalong the Alta river, throughmountains and past frozen lakes toreach Finnmarksvidda (Finnmark’sMountain Plateau), a wild snow-desertcovering 22,000sq.km, including twonational parks – Øvre Anarjohka andStabbursdalen.

Days are spent driving the huskies,stopping for al-fresco lunches cookedthe traditional way on an open fire.Accommodation during the expeditionis in simple, rustic cabins in remotelocations, traditionally used by thenomadic Sami and workers in themountains. The holiday is designed fortravellers looking for a hands-on,back-to-basics wilderness experienceand who appreciate the outdoor way oflife in remote locations.

Prices lead in at £1,755 per personincluding flights, transfers, two nights’

half-board at StengelsegårdenisLodge, a two-day expedition with twonights’ breakfast stay in a mountaincabin, two wilderness lunches andsuitable outer clothing.

Next year’s departures are from

January 12-16 (Northern Lightsexpedition); January 18-22 (NorthernLights expedition); and April 18-22(spring expedition).To book call 01427-700115 or visitwww.simplysweden.co.uk

SKIERS AND riders heading to Aspen Snowmass next seasoncan look forward to some on-mountain improvements thissummer at a cost of nearly $8million. They include a fasterchairlift, more snowmaking and additional tree skiing.

Aspen Skiing Company will replace and realign the HighAlpine lift on Snowmass with a new high-speed quad, cuttingride time in half from 11 minutes down to just over fiveminutes.

Snowmass’ general manager, Steve Sewell, said: “With therealignment and the additional trail work and glading, our

guests will have a vastly improved experience in the HighAlpine pod on Snowmass.

“The new alignment will allow guests to ski from RockIsland, AMF and the Cirque without dropping to the lowermountain to access the High Alpine area. Additionally, skiersand riders can now easily access Upper Green Cabin without along flat traverse, which is especially important forsnowboarders. This will improve the upper mountaincirculation. There is no change in access to the Hanging Valleyand no change in the uphill lift capacity.”

Three-day husky adventure from Simply Sweden for £1,755 with flights

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Neilson expands Mountain Collection portfolio & offers new guiding service for 2015/16


wintersports

New mountain developments in Colorado open up new opportunities

S06 TB2905 2015 Winter Sports_Layout 1 27/05/2015 12:39


Mauritius launches low season initiative to drive family bookingsTHE MAURITIUS Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) has launched a new campaign,Family Fun Adventure, signifying a new strategic direction for the destination.

The latest initiative aims to promote the low season by looking beyond the beach toidentify attractions and facilities that appeal to families. A dedicated website has beencreated for international users to access offers of up to 30% off and information onaccommodation and activities suitable for the family sector.

In the past, the family sector has been overlooked with many Brits choosing closerEuropean destinations for their summer getaway. This is largely owing to a lack ofawareness, which is why the campaign comes at a crucial time to help educate consumersand travel agents alike to show them the potential in Mauritius.

The website acts as a one-stop-shop for information on sports (land and water-based),places of interest, accommodation and car rentals. With access to detailed descriptions,images and videos, it can be treated as a booking aid to help inspire and create itineraries.

The site is supported by a series of tactical offers, exclusive to the tourism board withsome discounts as large as 30%-40%.

Offers include 30% off all spa treatments at Surya Ayurvedic Spa; half price on a deepsea fishing experience with the opportunity to see dolphins, sperm whales, humpbackwhales and the rare whale shark; 20% off quad biking at the Domaine de l'Étoile naturereserve; and 20% off sea kayaking.

Booking information is listed separately for each partner as they cannot be madedirectly on the site. For more information visit www.familyfunadventure.mu and www.tourism-mauritius.mu

SANDS SUITES Resort & Spa in Mauritius has beenredesigned to offer an all-suite resort.

Guests are now able to experience zip-wire trips tothe rain forests and waterfalls; walk with lions in thesafari park; quad bike through the banana, tea andsugar plantations; rock-climb; go horse-riding; andexplore the food markets and local restaurants.

Virgin Holidays is offering a seven-night packagestaying in a superior suite on a half-board basis at theresort for £1,039 per person, including flights fromLondon based on a June departure, subject toavailability.For more information visit www.virginholidays.co.uk orcall 0844-557 3875.

Sands Suites Resort & Spa in Mauritius welcomes all-suite redesign

india&indianocean

has launched the Maldives' first Free-Diving Centre. Free-diving is a form of underwater diving thatrelies on the diver's ability to hold their breath until resurfacing without the use of scuba gear. Thecentre offers courses to suit all levels. For details visit www.dusit.com/dusit-thani/en/maldives.html

DUSIT THANI MALDIVES

Island inspiredindulgence at The

Sun Siyam Iru FushiThe Sun Siyam Iru Fushi inthe Maldives is launchingnew experiences at TheSpa by Thalgo. With a host of new sensoryand signature spajourneys, the propertyoffers a holistic andpersonalised approach towellbeing for all guests.As an example, a newIndoceane Ritual offers asea salt, cassonade sugarand essential oil scrub,followed by an indulgentmilk bath, AyurvedicMassage and a body wrap.Prices lead in at £167 for105 minutes.Alternatively, a ChocolateDelight begins with aninvigorating body scrubbefore taking a dip in achocolate bath and sippinga creamy chocolatemilkshake. Guests can continue thecelebration of all thingschocolate with a soothingmassage that uses cocoabutter to enrich the skin,with prices from £150 for90 minutes.

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Oberoi offers ‘Exotic Vacations’ summer specialOBEROI HOTELS & Resorts is offering guests the opportunity toextend their stay without overstretching the budget with thelaunch of its ‘Exotic Vacations’ offer, giving guests the chance toreceive savings of 50% over peak season prices.

The offer is available until September 30 with a minimum stayof six nights and costs £205 per night including taxes.

Also included is accommodation in a premier room on doubleoccupancy, breakfast, daily yoga sessions, 25% savings on spatreatments and transfers between the airport or railway stationand hotel.For reservations or further information [email protected] or visit www.oberoihotels.com

Sunset Faraway Holidays marks 35years with largest product launch SUNSET FARAWAY HOLIDAYS is celebrating its 35thanniversary and, to mark the occasion, is offering a range offour- and five-star options this summer with savings of up to£2,500 in destinations including Mauritius, Maldives and theSeychelles.

For £4,500, a family of four can stay a week in Mauritius onhalf-board, with larger discounts available when booked inadvance.

As an example, a family of four can stay a week atAtmosphere Kanifushi in the Maldives on half-board for£7,999, offering a total saving of £2,900 with the whole familyflying for free and kids paying nothing.

New to the operator’s collection is The Westin Turtle BayMauritius, located on the northern tip of the island in a NaturalMarine park where guests staying in exclusively contractedBeachfront rooms can benefit from privileges such asdiscounts on spa, a private dinner on the beach and free resortcredit.

A seven-night, half-board stay is offered from £1,299 perperson with a 50% reduction in a beachfront room with AirMauritius including transfers and airport taxes.

The operator is also offering free weddings at a range offour-star resorts and Laguna Beach Resort with a freeupgrade from superior to deluxe rooms, private transfers withlounge pass at Gatwick for seven nights’ all-inclusive from£1,399 for travel by September 30.

‘Surf & Turf’ holiday from Heritage Resorts HERITAGE RESORTS in Mauritius has introduced a newSurf and Turf Holiday so guests can experience theabundance of land and water activities available on theDomaine de Bel Ombre.

The package costs from £1,000 per person for aseven-night stay on half-board at the five-starHeritage Le Telfair and includes kite surfing, quad-biking, stand-up paddle boarding, golf lessons, tai-chi,wellness walks with yoga, a speed boat trip around thelagoon with snorkelling, a segway adventure, mountainbiking and a beachside massage in the water atsunset.For more information visit www.heritageresorts.mu

THE FIVE-STARBaros Maldivesis offering afour-day Breezeof Baros coralgardeningexperience,concentrating onthe underwatergardentreasures of theIndian Ocean.

Located on itsown privateisland, theresort’s residentmarine biologistwill take guestsunderwater toexplore themarine life. Asnorkelling tourand coralgardeningworkshop will

ensure guestslearn how theplants andmarine life playsuch a pivotalrole for theprotection andsurvival of thecoasts from theopen sea andstorms of thelow lyingislands. Guestswill plant coraland every sixmonths anupdate on thecoral's progresswill be sent.

The packageincludes awelcome bottleof sparklingwine in the villaupon arrival, a

private housereef tour,massage,traditionalNooma Dhonicruise withChampagne andcanapés, privatefishing bytwilight to catchdinner for oneevening at theCayenne Grill,daily breakfastand transfers byspeedboat.

The four-nightpackage costs£1,640 perperson based ontwo sharing adeluxe villa for aJune departure.For details visitwww.baros.com

Baros Maldives offers Coral Gardening Escape

india&indianocean

is offering a seven-night bed-and-breakfast package from £1,679 per person at Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives. It includes flights from Gatwickand speedboat transfers and is based on travel in July with two adults sharing an Island Villa. To book call 0207-751 0660 or visit www.caribtours.co.uk

CARIBTOURS


HILTON SEYCHELLES LabrizResort & Spa has teamedup with the IslandConservation Society tocreate trails for guests toexplore the unspoilt natureof Silhouette Island, led byexpert guides.

Guests can choose fromfour different hiking trailstaking them to various areasof the island, each allowingfor diverse experiences -from sweeping panoramicvistas across the IndianOcean to exploration of theplateaus home to wild gianttortoises.

As an example, aSilhouette Native Plants Trailwinds through a combinationof natural ecosystems andbotanical gardens. Theobjective of the project is toallow native plants like theiconic Coco de-Mer and therare Palmiste to recolonize

the area, recreating whatSilhouette may have lookedlike to its first settlers. Theforest restoration is expectedto benefit native faunaincluding birds, reptiles,invertebrates and somecritically endangeredspecies.

Claus Steiner, clustergeneral manager for theresort, said: "We want toencourage our guests toexplore the real, naturalSeychelles, throughexperiencing the dramaticbeauty of Silhouette Islandand discovering the amazing

variety of endemic flora andfauna. The nature trails arethe perfect opportunity forguests to immersethemselves in anotherworld."For more information visitwww.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com

MALDIVES MARKETING & PR Corporation (MMPRC) hasannounced an increase in visitor arrivals from the UK,with the latest figures revealing an 8% increase in UKtourists during the first three months of this year.

This equates to 25,158 UK tourists visiting theMaldives compared to 23,297 in 2014.

In addition, the Maldives will also be expanding itstourism infrastructure during 2015, including newhotel developments and the introduction of a newluxury seaplane transfer from Male to Dhonakulhi

Island.Mohamed Adam, deputy managing director of the

cooperation, said: “We’re very pleased to see anincrease in visitors from the UK and that the Maldivesis still one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations.With our tourism offering continuing to expand and thedestination celebrating its 50th anniversary ofIndependence this year in July, we are confident theMaldives will continue to perform well during 2015 andlook forward to welcoming more visitors from the UK.”

DECCAN DREAMS has launched anew programme of holidays in India’sKarnataka region for gap yearstudents and older visitors, offeringopportunities to become involved withlocal people, their culture andlifestyles.

For 'gappers' visiting the state for amonth or more, the operator has setup various projects to assistcommunities - from rural health careprogrammes to organic farming.During the work experience, studentsmeet artisan families and can studywoodcrafts, pottery, weaving, folkdancing and music. Prices lead in at£42 per person, per night for full-board accommodation, airport andlocal transfers and sightseeing withguides, including a jeep safari to atiger reserve. The minimum group size

is ten, with a minimum stay of 15 days.For senior visitors the operator is

offering 15 days staying with Indianfamilies and participating fully in their

daily lives. Accommodation is offeredin hotels and prices are chargedaccording to the tailor-maderequirements of guests.

Deccan Dreams offers new visitor experiences in new Karnataka programme

MMPRC announces 8% increase in UK visitors & new hotel developments


india&indianocean

Mysore Palace,Karnataka

On the trail at Silhouette Island with Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa


www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Uniworld launches India itineraries in 2016preview brochure

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER Cruise Collection has released its2016 Preview Boutique River Cruises and Journeys Brochure withthe introduction of India to the portfolio.

The line’s new itinerary down the Ganges, India’s GoldenTriangle & the Sacred Ganges, travels from New Delhi to Kolkataand commences on January 9.

The 13-day river cruise comprises five nights at three OberoiHotels & Resorts in New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, before flying toKolkata where guests embark on a seven-night cruise on the newGanges Voyager II.

To celebrate, the company is offering agents the opportunity towin an Indian dinner for their agency up to the value of £250 plus aluxury L’Occitane gift bag to five runners up. For the chance to win,agents should email the name of the line’s new itinerary to India,along with their name, address and ABTA number [email protected]

In addition, couples who book and pay a deposit by July 31 cansave up to £1,200 as part of the operator’s early booking savingsoption. For details visit www.uniworldcruises.co.uk or call 0808-168 9110.

india&indianocean

New 15-day Ganges river cruisefrom Insider Journeys from £4,351INSIDER JOURNEYS has added a new luxury river cruise inIndia.

The 15-day ‘Ganges Discovery Voyage’ gives customersthe opportunity to discover life along the Ganges - sailingon the Ganges Voyager I, an all-suite vessel that features aBritish-colonial design and modern facilities.

The itinerary takes guests through Calcutta and ruralcountryside villages on the lower Ganges to visit placesrarely seen by travellers, before flying to spiritual Varanasiand continuing to the Golden Triangle with a visit to the TajMahal.

Prices start from £4,351 per person excludinginternational flights.

OPENING IN November, The Fort Bazaar is an 18-room boutiquehotel located in the centre of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritagesite in Sri Lanka. The hotel has been designed to welcome bothguests and walk-in visitors for spa and dining experiences. For more information email [email protected]


We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

Who's your favourite TVpresenter?

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Crossword:Across: 1. VENTURA, 4. ATM, 6. EEL, 8. AJACCIO, 9. NAXOS, 11. ETNA, 12. EDI, 14. ANNE, 15. MAINE, 17.ANTWERP, 19. NOB, 20. DON, 21. DRACHMA. Down: 1. VIENNA, 2. USA, 3. ANAHEIM, 4. ASCENSION, 5. MOON, 7. LEXINGTON, 10. SEEFELD, 13. SERBIA, 16.RAND, 18. PIA.

Highlighted Word: VIETNAMTravagrams: (top) Wendy Wu Tours (bottom) New OrleansWhere Am I?: Languedoc-Roussillon

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TravelBulletin

InBrief● THE NEWLY-opened Wine Boutique at MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa

Seychelles is offering guests access to more than 300 vintages fromacross the globe. Guests can select a bottle with the help of theresort’s Sommelier for bespoke tasting sessions.

●ONYX HOSPITALITY Group has unveiled its second OZO property inKandy. The 122-room property is running a special opening offer ofUS$99 per night (approximately £65). It includes breakfast, an upgradeto the next room category (subject to availability), early check-in andlate check-out and is valid until for stays until July 31. Visitwww.ozohotels.com

● RUGBYTOTS PLAY sessions have become a permanent fixture in thechildren’s activities at The Residence Mauritius, offering children agedtwo-seven the opportunity to learn rugby skills on the beach.Turquoise Holidays is offering a free second room for children and twofree nights, as well as a 30% discount at the hotel for seven nightsfrom £4,499 per family. It includes a half-board stay, private transfersand direct flights with Air Mauritius for travel until September 30. Seewww.turquoiseholidays.co.uk or call 0149-467 8400.

●THE SHANTI Maurice in Mauritius is giving holidaymakers the chanceto book one suite and receive a second suite free for kids. The dealoffers a saving of £3,800 and a seven-night, half-board stay leads in at£6,799 per family of four including private transfers, flights withEmirates from Heathrow, a family gourmet picnic lunch with a bottleof wine and a 50 euro resort credit. Call 0149-467 8400 for details.

● GUESTS STAYING at the Velassaru in Male can now enjoy their ownpamper package at the property’s spa. Maldivian Men consists of alagoon coral scrub, botanical facial and includes a sports massage toincrease muscle flexibility and stimulate the natural healing process.

THE CASA COLOMBO COLLECTIONin Mirissa has been added to the Sri Lanka Collection and, as an introductoryoffer, the six-suite boutique hotel is currently offering a ‘four nights for theprice of three’ deal until the end of June.


SUMMER

HALKIDIKI4 Anthemus Sea Beach Hotel & Spa

7 nights from £899pp

HB, departs Gatwick 15 Sep

5030

FLY FROMYOUR

LOCAL AIRPORT

PRIVATETRANSFERS INCLUDED

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

AFFORDABLE LUXURY

BERMUDAFairmontHamilton PrincessREDUCED RATES7 nights from £1,999pp

Room only, departs Gatwick 11 June*For stays until 7 Sep. Book before 31 Aug.

EGYPT Sahl Hasheesh

5 Baron Palace

7 nights from £1,295pp

All inclusive

departs Gatwick 29 Jun

EGYPTSharm el Sheikh

5 Baron Palms Resort


All inclusive

departs Gatwick 29 Jun

CRETE5 St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas


B&B

departs Gatwick 18 Sep

FUERTEVENTURA5 Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real REDUCED RATES7 nights from £899pp

B&B, departs Gatwick 16 Sep*For stays 22 Aug-31 Oct. Book before 31 May

CYPRUS5 Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites 7 nights from £1,359pp

B&B

departs Gatwick 14 Sep

TURKEY5 Kempinski Hotel The DomeREDUCED RATES7 nights from £999pp

HB, departs Gatwick 25 Jun*For stays until 7 Nov. Book before 31 May

SAVINGSper couple per week

SAVE£504*

per couple per week

SAVE£1,299*

BESTPRICE

BESTPRICE

BESTPRICE

BESTPRICE

per couple per week

SAVE£266*

per couple per week

SAVE£454*


Travel Bulletin 29th May 2015

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Transcript of Travel Bulletin 29th May 2015