Travel Bulletin December 14th 2012

VOYAGER HAS ARRIVED!

Voyages of Discovery’s new ship debuts in Portsmouth and earns warm praise from both passengers and the travel trade

Junior Suite

Reception Areawww.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Following her extensive upgrade Voyager has now

joined Voyages of Discovery for her maiden season in the Caribbean and South America.

excitement and fascination this colourful

their exeperiences and insight along the way.Voyager gives the discerning passenger a well

for which Voyages of Discovery is renowned.


ollowing her extensiv


America.Caribbean and South for her maiden season in the

ages of Discovjoined Voyhas nowagerVoyupgrade FF

e


America.for her maiden season in the

eryages of Discovhas now

ollowing her extensiv

for which Voy

givagerrVoy

their exeperiences and insight along the w

ery is renownedages of Discovfor which Voy

es the discerning passenger a wtheir exeperiences and insight along the w

.ery is renowned

elles the discerning passenger a way.their exeperiences and insight along the w

www.voy

ery.comagesofdiscovwww.voy

ery.com

December 14 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,807 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

TB1412 2012 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 11/12/2012 18:12

O

For agency sales information contact the central agency sales team on

01858 588406www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Brian Langford Fleming

Julie

Explorer Club

Owner’s Suite Bridge Deck

Veranda Restaurant

O


We’d like to wish all our readers a very MerryChristmas & Happy New Year 2013!

December 14 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,807 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinwin X Factor ticketswith the Saint LuciaTourist Board

W-AITO-Go!from ATOL to cruisecommissions: issuesfacing independenttravel agents

short breaksDFDS researchreveals short breaksare good for us

9 2412this week

iceland

operators respond to demandwith new tour additions for 2013

19


Earn up to 20.13% For one week only!

WITH A BANG!

START

Week commencing Friday...

4th January 20.13%

11th January 19.12%

18th January 18.11%

25th January 17.10%

1st February 16.09%

8th February 15.08%

15th February 14.07%

22nd February 13.06%

1st March Normal commission resumes

Savings message of up to £400 is per couple. Offers end 28 February 2013.Terms & Conditions apply

Up to

£400off all JOD holidays!

For details of all our holidays visitwww.jod.uk.com/travelagentsCall 0161 491 7616

More for 2013Be part of JOD’s exclusive FAM trip to Sri Lanka in2013. For details visit www.jod.uk.com/fam-trip

otpU

£

!syadilohDOJllaffo

004£

S01 TB1412 Start_GET_Layout 1 12/12/2012 12:33 Page 2

DISCOVER ONE OF FLORIDA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS…

ST. PETE / CLEARWATER

7 NIGHTS FROM £769PPFor more details or to book, call

0844 557 0626 or visit

PETE /..STT.TERAATWWACLEARRW

TER

7 NIGHTS FRFor more details or to book,

0844 557 0626

OM £769PP7 NIGHTS FRcallFor more details or to book,,

0844 557 0626 tsiivrro

OM £769PP

AMSTER-FAM...Titan recently ran a Uniworld agent fam trip to Amsterdam to take in the sights. Pictured are, from theleft: Jill Godsell, Titan; Sandra Park, Bath Travel; Janet Welsh, Luxury Cruise Company; Mervyn Willard, Baldwins Travel;Edwina Coppock, Titan; Jackie Darbourne, Sun & Snow Travel; Nikki Cumming, Cruise118; Margaret McCorriston,Barrhead Travel; James Crossland, Cruise.co.uk; Sharon Tait and Laura Price, Titan; Veronica Jenkins, Cruise Holiday UK;Donna O’Sullivan, Premier Travel; Shelly Pettit, Andrew Earle Travel; Fay Winning, Chelmsford Star Co-op; Alex Leete,Global River Cruise; Jenny Purle, Titan; Julie Marchant, Travelux of Tenterden; Krystian Tatum, Cruise Holiday UK; andAlex Holubowicz, ACE.

This Week

3www.travelbulletin.co.uk December 14 2012

newsbulletin

3 newsthis week’s industry news,reports & special offers

12W-AITO-Go! from ATOL to cruisecommissions: issues facingindependent travel agents

18 trainingwin a trip to Texas withOnline Travel Training

9 agent bulletinwin X Factor tickets with theSaint Lucia Tourist Board 15 hotel bulletin

a round-up of new propertyannouncements

19icelandoperators respond todemand with new touradditions for 2013

10 agent review find out what one agentthought of his fam to Turkeywith Mosaic Holidays

16 personality bulletin which MD admits he’s a bitof a technophobe? 24 short breaks

DFDS research revealsshort breaks are good for us

11 puzzle bulletin your chance to win a £50Hotel Chocolat voucher!

17 cruise bulletin Carnival UK sets the sustainable agenda forcruising

Averageholidaymakerfritters away £150spending money toget rid of currencyRESEARCH BYwww.sunshine.co.uk hasrevealed that the averageBritish holidaymakerspends all the money theytake with them on holiday,with the majority fritteringsome away just to use it up.

Some 2,168 people whohad been abroad on holidayin the past 12 monthscompleted the survey.

When asked, 'On yourlast holiday, did you spendall of the money you tookwith you for spending?’67% said they spent all thatthey took, while 21% saidthey spent more than theyoriginally took andbudgeted for.

Of the respondents whohad spent all their money(an average of £150) onunnecessary purchases,88% said the most commonreason (52%) was becausethey ‘couldn’t be bothered’to change the money backto GBP on their returnhome.

When looking at themost common purchasesamongst those fritteringholiday spending moneyaway, ‘gifts for others’ wasthe most common buy forholidaymakers looking toget rid of excess foreigncurrency.

The next issue of Travel Bulletinwill be published on January 11

Cove

r Pi

ctur

es: M

ain

- Bu

tlins

Inse

t- P

aul G

olds

tein

, Ex

odus

Tra

vels


NEW TRIPS in China, India, Burma and along the SilkRoad have been added to Intrepid Travel’s 2013 Asiaprogramme.

A two-week Delhi to Goa tour leads in at £663 andjourneys through Delhi’s streets to the forts, palacesand cities of Rajasthan, through the heart of Bollywoodin Mumbai and the beaches of Goa.

Alternatively, an 11-day Silk Road and Beyond tourcosts from £1,295 and follows Uzbekistan’s capital,Tashkent, through to the Russian capital of Moscow.

Other options include a 28-day China, Burma andThailand tour, which costs from £3,040 plus a trip kittyand a 36-day Silk Road – Beijing to Moscow itinerary,which leads in at £3,795.For more information seewww.intrepidtravel.com/discover

FOLLOWING A documentaryon Channel 4 recentlywhereby an experiment saw aBoeing-727 crash over theMexican desert,Sunshine.co.uk reports that ithas received an increase inenquires from customerslooking to ensure they sittowards the back of the plane,where it was deemed ‘safest’in the programme.

The company reports thatThe Plane Crashdocumentary caused anincrease in enquiries made byUK holidaymakers looking tobe reassured that they won’tbe sat at the front of theplane; which was shown to bethe most dangerous sectionof the aircraft for passengersto be in if the plane wentdown, according to theexperiment.

The company receivedmore than 400 enquiries fromcustomers in the monthfollowing the documentarythat related to their seats onthe flight for their holiday.Most customers were simplyasking how to ensure they’dbe sat towards the back of the

aircraft when going on theirholiday and around 50 of theenquiries received referencedseat ‘7A’, where customersasked about how they’densure that they weren’t satin that seat when they wenton their next holiday. In thedocumentary, seat 7A wasshown to be catapulted 500ftfrom the plane.

The programme showedthat, once the plane wentdown, none of thepassengers in First Class atthe front of the plane wouldhave survived. Reflectingthis, the company hasreceived 63% fewerenquiries relating to FirstClass bookings since theshow aired, compared to thesame time frame before theprogramme.

The company's co-founderChris Clarkson said: "Theprogramme has certainlyhad an effect on those whowatched it, as we’ve seen bythe recent enquiries fromcustomers panicking aboutwhere they’d be sat on theplane. Obviously, that’sultimately something you

arrange through the airlineitself, or at the check-in desk.Many airlines don’t havedesignated seats and it justdepends on when you get onthe plane. People shouldremember that plane crashesare rare and try not to worryabout where they are sat,instead trying to focus ontheir exciting holiday ahead."

Increase in requests for seats at back of the plane by holidaymakers

www.travelbulletin.co.ukDecember 14 20124

newsbulletin

Intrepid Travel adds ten new tours to Asia programme

LIVE IT UP IN LONDON...Superbreak recently ran an incentive with all Thomson shops to drivebookings to London. Any bookings made were put into a prize draw to win a short break to the capital.Pictured is the winner, Stephanie North (left) from Thomson in Forfar receiving her prize of a two-night four-star rail inclusive break to London to see The Lion King plus a Harrods Champagne Tea &tour and an Oyster card (worth £750), from the operator's Wendy Cameron.

Solos partnerswith Wendy Wu SOLOS HAS announced anew partnership withWendy Wu Tours to extendits tours to the regions ofChina, Vietnam, Laos andCambodia.

As an example, a 12-night full board Glories ofChina itinerary departs onOctober 12 next year andleads in at £2,790. The tourbegins in Shanghai with avisit to the ShanghaiMuseum, home to 120,000pieces of bronze, coins,jade, paintings, andceramics. Guests will alsoexperience traditionalShanghai cuisine, visit theYu gardens and cross thefamous Nanpu Bridge toexplore the modern area ofPudong. Other highlightsinclude a panoramic cruiseof the Huangpu Riverbefore flying into the city ofGuilin to take in thelimestone hills andtraditional rice fields,followed by a trip to Xian tovisit the Teracotta Warriorsand the Islamic foodmarkets. The tour finishesin Beijing with a visit toTiananmen Square and awalk along the Great Wall.Prices include flights,transfers, accommodationand sightseeing. For more information visitwww.solosholidays.co.uk



Vueling adds Palmaroute from LHR

VUELING WILLcommence new dailyflights from Heathrow toPalma Mallorca with theintroduction of itssummer timetable onMarch 23, 2013.

The new route willoffer a total of 75,600seats, which are now onsale at www.vueling.comwith lead in fares from£48.38.

The carrier will alsolaunch twice-dailyGatwick-Barcelonaflights from March 22,2013. A total of 158,040seats will be available onthe route with lead infares starting from£36.29.

EXPLORE TAILORMADE has issued its 2013 brochure with the introduction of five newdestinations - Burma, Costa Rica, Morocco, Zambia and Malawi.

The company is offering price reductions on a selection of tours, and customers whobook by December 31 also receive a £75 discount off any holiday.

The brochure offers three accommodation price levels for each break, starting from‘Authentic’, then ‘Comfort’ and ‘Indulge’.

As an example, a 14-day Highlights of Burma itinerary takes in Bagan, Inle Lake andMandalay. Based on ‘Authentic’ accommodation, the trip costs from £2,075 per person,including flights, accommodation, transport and guides, increasing to £2,365 for‘Comfort’ and £2,585 for ‘Indulge’ accommodation.

Alternatively, a 15-day Costa Rica itinerary costs from £1,795 per person for‘Authentic’ accommodation, including flights, accommodation, transport and guides.Also included are visits to Poas and Arenal volcanoes, Manuel Antonio and TortugueroNational Parks and Monteverde Cloud Forest. The itinerary costs from £1,945 for‘Comfort’ and £2,495 for ‘Indulge’ properties.

Price reductions in the new brochure include up to £290 off trips to Jordan, whilesavings of up to £800 are available on holidays to India.For more information or to book call 0844-875 1890 or visitwww.explore.co.uk/tailormade

PETER SOMMER Travelshas introduced five newitineraries for next year,including new tours inTurkey and Greece, a newgulet cruise and a newtake on the company’sAlexander the Great tours.

A seven-night LycianWay walking tour in Turkeyleads in at £2,065 perperson, featuring guletcruising andarchaeological visits. Dailyfive- to six-mile walks

include a picnic lunch onmost days, while a gulet isalways present offshore toprovide dining facilitiesand accommodation, aswell as offering respite forthose who wish to take aday off from walking.Guests will visit remotearchaeological sites onfoot, such as the ruins ofSidyma – a 2,500-year-oldLycian town – and theghost town of Kaya. Thetour also retraces the

route of a Romanaqueduct and crossesancient burial groundsleading to an Ottomancastle, departing onOctober 5, 2013.

Other itineraries includea seven-night Greek Islesand Turkish Shores tourfrom £2,250 per person;an 11-night Crete tourstarting from £2,735 perperson; and a condensedten-night Alexander theGreat tour in Greece from

£2,670 per person. A ten-night Alexander the Greattour is also available inTurkey, leading in at£2,650 per person.

Prices are based on twosharing and includetransfers, breakfastaccommodation, mostmeals, all entrance feesand guides. Flights areexcluded.For details call 01600-888220 or visitwww.petersommer.com

Selection of Greece & Turkey additions from Peter Sommer Travels

newsbulletin

SPIDER ACTION...Travel 2 recently hosted a fam to Orlando inconjunction with Universal Orlando Resort. All the participantsearned their place on the trip as incentive winners in thecompany's Universal Orlando campaign earlier this year. As partof the trip the group visited a number of family attractionsincluding Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Wet ‘n Wild and theworld’s largest Hard Rock Café. Pictured are, from the left: SaraDariz, White Consierge; Fiona Coxhead, Pillinger World Travel;Helen Young, Travellers World; Karen Fuller, Saville Travel; LynBradley, Holiday Genie; Ross Swallow, Barrhead Travel; ShelleyWhitworth, Ocean Florida/Como Street; Carla Hutchings, Travel 2;Gina Scott, Midcounties Co-Op; and Sophie Cook, Ideal Travel.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@APTAgentClub Join APT and Thai Airwayson the ultimate Asia faminext February. For fulldetails visithttp://ow.ly/fQb1r

@manairport Huge disappointment thatGov't increased #APDagain. UK has highest airpassenger tax in world.http://afairtaxonflying.org

@anatoliansky1 Start planning your #2013#holiday today... -http://ow.ly/fTPXF

@Shearings Christmas shopping?Shearings gift vouchersare now available to buyonline http://bit.ly/TEnLZs

@TriangleTravelWell done @SunvilTeamfor contracting Germaniaairlines on your Greekprogram. An excellentmove.

@British_AirwaysStrictly's Ola Jordanteaches our cabin crew theGangnam Style dance tocelebrate our new serviceto Seoulhttp://twitpic.com/bkpiyk

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

TravelBulletin

Explore Tailormade adds new destinations for 2013

S02 TB1412 News 1_Layout 1 12/12/2012 12:36 Page 5

KANIKA HOTELS haslaunched a selection ofoffers at selected hotelsacross Cyprus, available foragents through any bookingsystem.

As examples, at theOlympic Lagoon Resortthere is no venue fee forweddings throughout April2014. The offer is valid forceremony, cocktail &banqueting venue fees andthe wedding couple musthave their wedding meal in

the resort to qualify for theoffer. The Elias Beach Hoteland Alexander The Greatproperties are also runninga no venue fee for weddingsduring April 2014 andNovember 2014, valid forceremony, cocktail &banqueting venue fees.

All the offers arecumulative with all otherwedding offers and groupoffers as signed for 2013. For more information visitwww.kanikahotels.com

Wedding offers from Kanika Hotels


newsbulletin

TRAINING TEAM...Kensington Roof Gardens in London was thebackdrop for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board andCaribtours' special evening for agents recently. The eventbrought together more than 60 agents, along with varioushoteliers from the BVI’s, Caribtours representatives and theteam from the BVI Tourist Board London office, to updateagents on where to stay and learn about recent developments.Pictured are, from the left: Ginny Hawksley, British VirginIslands Tourist Board; Pauline Lovegrove, Classic Travel; NigelDean, Nigel Dean Travel; Jackie Shiell, Classic Travel; andAndrea Miller, Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort.

Newsbites● EUROSTAR IS launching a new direct service from

London and Avignon to three holiday destinations inthe South of France - Lyon, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. The new weekly spring service will beoffered for a trial period during May and June 2013and tickets are now on sale from £99 return to Lyon,£109 for Avignon and £199 for Aix-en-Provence. See www.eurostar.com or call 0843-218 6186 fordetails.

● TRAVELODGE IS continuing with its own festivetradition of offering a free room to couples calledMary and Joseph during the 12 days of Christmas(Christmas Eve to January 5). To claim the freefestive room, couples called Mary and Joseph needto register their details [email protected] by Friday December 21with proof of their name.

● HOLIDAYEXTRAS.COM IS offering indoor parking atManchester airport from £30 a week. See www.holidayextras.com or call 0800-131 3777 for details.

● ETIHAD AIRWAYS has increased the complimentarybaggage allowance for Coral Economy Class gueststo 30kg.

● AGENTS WHO would like to be considered forfuture visits from Serenity Holidays or to find outmore about the operator's products should call Gillor Jason on 0845-330 2066 or [email protected]. Agents can also join theFacebook group to request a visit and keep updatedwith agent news and offers.

● CRUISINGEXCURSIONS.COM HAS announced thatafter 18 months in business, trade sales have nowovertaken direct bookings. The company has alsosigned a partnership deal with The Global Travel Group.

Free transfers from Door to DoorDOOR TO Door Coach Holidays has launched in the NorthWest, offering mature holidaymakers a variety of coachtours with free chauffeur transfers directly to and fromtheir front door.

The company, part of The UK Holiday Group, runs theservice in collaboration with the Manchester-based coachtour operator Belle Vue, and its 2013 brochure offersholidays in the UK and Europe from £69 per person.

Deals include five-day half-board breaks in Bournemouthfrom £159 per person; holidays for solo travellers from £199per person; Skegness from £169 per person for five days; andsix days in Ireland (Killarney and Kerry) for £399 per person. Ariver cruise to see the Dutch tulip fields is also available from£449 per person, and for Christmas 2013 there are Turkey &Tinsel, Christmas and New Year breaks on offer.For details call 0844-225 1723 or seewww.doortodoorcoachholidays.com

Stena Line announces 2013 timetableSTENA LINE has announced a new and improvedtimetable for its Holyhead to Dublin service beginningon January 1, 2013.

The company has announced that the changes in its2013 sailing times, which are now available to book, area bid to make the most of travel in daylight and to allowarrivals in Dublin before midnight.

The new timetable includes a slightly later morningsailing from Holyhead, departing at 08:55 (previously08:20) and an earlier evening sailing from Holyheaddeparting an hour earlier than before at 20:30.Customers can now travel back from Dublin to Holyheadat 15:10, replacing the former 16:00 sailing.

The HSS will also return on March 22 next year forthe Easter season, with a travel time of two hours and15 minutes from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire. Sailingsdepart Holyhead at 10:30 daily and 13:30 from DunLaoghaire daily.

One-way prices start from £79 for a car and driver.For more information or to book call 0844-770 7070 orsee www.stenaline.co.uk


Welcome to beach nirvana. Situated on a sun-drenched peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg/Clearwater offers 35 miles of award-winning, spectacular white-sand beaches that will satisfy anyone with a

an art form.

The truth is, in St. Petersburg/Clearwater no two beaches feel exactly the same. In between Fort De Soto

of every type including quaint Pass-a-Grille, perfect for

Beach, where “see and be seen” is an all-day activity.

NEW BROCHURE OUT NOW!

For more details on St. Pete / Clearwater request our brochure today at: www.trade-gate.co.uk

ST. PETE / CLEARWATER

7 NIGHTS FROM £769PP!

0844 557 0626 or visit

e to bmocleWechnerd-nus

n ad oetaatuti. Sanavrich naee to be Ghng titaatrapea slunsined pe

n aff olue G

NEW BROUT NO

OCHUREW BRROW!NOOW

echnerdnusm Toro ffrcixeMi5 ms 3reffefffo

d bnas-etihw

.mrot fforn aa

, ish iture thTl eees ffeechaeb

e ipyy trryef evveo

e Ghng titaatrapea slunsined peC/grubsrete. Pt, Syaaypa Bmam TTacatcep, snginniw-drawf aaws oelnoyny affysitaatl slit waaths techaed b

o tr netaatwraelC/grrgubsreteet. Ptn SSt, in Feewteetn b. Iemae shy tltcaxl e

, pellirG-a-ssat Pniaung qidulcne i

ff olue GretaatwraelC

raluch atie wn

owo ttwtooote St Drrton F

rot ffoceffere, p

OUT NO

For more details on St.Clearwater /

brochure toda.trade-gatewww

W!NOOW

ete Pre details on St..r u otssteuqerClearwater

y at:brochure toda.uk.co.trade-gate

e ipyy trryef evveo

erreeh, wchaeB

, pellirGassat Pniaung qidulcne i

yaayd-lln as a” ineee sd bne aese “

7 NIGHTS FR

rot ffoceffere, p

.yttyivitcy a

OMIGHTS FRRO

OM £769PP!

0844 557 0626

0844 557 0626 tsiivorr


newsbulletin


MARK WARNER has launched its summer 2013 ‘BeachResorts’ brochure, which includes its new four-star resort,Lemnos Beach Resort on the island of Lemnos, Greecewhich offers accommodation on a full board with winebasis, as well as tennis facilities, mountain biking andchildcare facilities.

Other new developments for the programme includeBritish Airways flights on all the operator’s routes out ofLondon; a full refurbishment of the village styleaccommodation at Lakitira Beach Resort in Kos, to bring itto the same standard as the hotel; upgraded rooms at SanLucianu Beach Resort in Corsica; the opening of a thirdrestaurant at the five-star Levante Beach Resort inRhodes; and free Wi-fi access across all eight of theoperator's beach resorts.

Brochure prices lead-in at £655 per person for a week atLevante Beach Resort in Rhodes, departing on May 4, 2013.The price includes BA flights from Heathrow, seven nights'half-board accommodation, transfers, kids' clubs, eveningchildcare, watersports and tuition, use of tennis courts,aerobics and fitness classes and mountain biking.For bookings or more information call 0844-273 6826,email [email protected] or seewww.markwarner.co.uk

MW issues Beach Resorts brochure

PRIDE PRIZE...David Holland (left) of African Pride presentsAndy Ellis of Directions in Malton with his prize of a place on afam trip to Namibia which he won at a recent event hosted byAfrican Pride and its Namibian partners.

MOVERS● FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has promoted Andy Travis from

sales development manager to national sales manager.● WESTERN & Oriental Travel has appointed Nigel Ham as

trade sales manager north and Paul Mellon as trade salesmanager for the south.

● THE UK Holiday Group has appointed David Lote andMaureen Quinn as group sales development managers.

● THE BOARD of Airline Representatives in the UK (BARUK) has appointed Dale Keller as chief executive.

● THE TOURISM Society has appointed Jimmy Ancheta Jr.as marketing and commercial executive.

● ACCOR UK and Ireland has appointed Jason Wischhoff asfranchise and management development director andWolfgang Gold as franchise development manager, bothfor the UK and Ireland.

● ORIENT-EXPRESS has announced that Andrew Cook hasbeen appointed general manager of the British Pullmantrain.

● KAREN SINCLAIR has joined Zegrahm Expeditions asmarketing director.

● THE LANDMARK London has appointed AndrewBatchelor as hotel manager.

● PETER ANSCOMB has joined the Edwardian Group,London as senior corporate director.

● GROSVENOR HOUSE Apartments by Jumeirah Living hasappointed Steve Thorne as director of sales & marketing.

● SOUTH AFRICAN Tourism has appointed Andrew Sharpeas trade relations manager in the UK.

● VIRGIN ATLANTIC has appointed Reuben Arnold ascustomer experience director.

Free KL stopover from Malaysia AirlinesMALAYSIA AIRLINES has teamed up with TourismMalaysia to offer a free stopover in Kuala Lumpur forpassengers travelling on the airline’s services from theUK to destinations in Australia and New Zealand.

Valid for a minimum of two people travelling together,passengers who book flights to Sydney, Melbourne,Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in Australia and Aucklandin New Zealand will receive a free overnight stay at theBerjaya Times Square Hotel.

The offer is valid on any date from now until June 30,2013 for flights booked in Business or Economy Classvia the carrier's Website or through its booking office byDecember 31.For details call 0871-423 9090 or visitwww.malaysiaairlines.com

AITO announces two overseasconferences for 2013

AITO TOUR operators and agents will gather at twohighly-focused overseas conferences in the summer andwinter of 2013.

The association’s summer overseas conference willtake place in June next year and will focus on three keythemes - the retail environment, how best to maximisethe unique benefit of relationships between AITO TourOperators and AITO Specialist Travel Agents and acareful analysis of consumer aspirations for travel in2013 and beyond.

The association's winter overseas conference willtake place in November and will focus on three keydifferent issues – how to run an entrepreneurial andprofitable travel business, how to choose the righttravel suppliers, destinations and experiences to inspirenew and repeat customers and how to optimise onlinetechnology for more effective operations and marketing.

The new two-conference format means that memberscan focus more on the issues that directly affect themand their teams - from sales and networking, to thedevelopment of product and industry issues.

Although the summer conference will particularlyappeal to AITO Specialist Travel Agents, AITO expects totake bookings from operators, agents and affiliates foreither or both conferences based on their specificinterests, with preferential rates on offer for those whoelect to attend both.


● SUNSPOT TOURS is offering £50 per person

booked to agents for Malta and Gozo

bookings departing this winter. To check

availability or to book call 0800-408 0506 or

visit www.sunspottours.com. To claim your

incentive email [email protected]

with your booking reference and agency

details and subject the email MALTA

incentive. The offer is valid for all departures

until April 2013 and excludes infants.

Win X Factortickets! THE CARIBBEAN island of Saint Lucia recentlyappeared on the X Factor as the setting for judgeTulisa’s X Factor House. To celebrate the island'sstarring role - which saw the contestants, includingElla Henderson, learning how to make chocolate atBoucan's ‘Tree to Bar ' experience from HotelChocolat and Tulisa trying cocktails at JadeMountain, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board is givingagents the chance to win two tickets to the X FactorLive show at a convenient venue. For your chance towin, email [email protected] with your fullname, company name, job title as well as directemail address and phone number. The competitioncloses on December 31 and the winner will beannounced on January 11. To find out how tobecome a Saint Lucia Specialist see

www.saintluciaexpert.com and for moreinformation about Saint Lucia visitwww.saintlucianow.co.uk

SUN IN SHARM...Nanette Harding ofMidlands Co-operative Travel in Blaby,Leicester collects a seven-night all inclusiveholiday for two to Sharm el Sheikh from RedSea Holidays' trade relations manager, DavidCastle. Nanette won the prize following asummer late sales campaign with EastMidlands Airport and the operator.

Booking incentive


agentbulletin

CrystalcompetitionTHIS CHRISTMAS, Crystal Cruises is recognising

travel agents’ loyalty by giving them the chance

to win a Kindle by downloading the line's new

Storyteller app. For a chance to win agents need

to download the free app from the iTunes store;

use the app to edit their favourite Crystal Cruise

holiday photo or a photo of where they would love

to cruise with the company, then email to

[email protected] with the

subject header ‘My FavouriteCrystal Story’ and include theirname, agency and a contacttelephone number. Agents shouldalso include details of where andwhen the picture was taken andwhy it is their favourite cruiseholiday moment. The competitionruns until December 31 and thewinner will be notified via email.For details call 020-7399 7601 orvisit www.crystalcruises.co.uk


Hurtigruten launches new excursionfor the ultimate explorer experienceTHIS WINTER, Hurtigruten has launched a new excursionthat allows guests on its Antarctica voyages to pitch tentsfor a night on the frozen landscapes of Antarctica.

The excursion is aimed at adventure seekers and travelsin a small group of no more than 15. Guests are suppliedwith outdoor equipment specially tailored to the region,including sleeping bags designed for use in extremeconditions and expedition tents that sleep two. Prices leadin at £330 per person.

A Classic Expedition Voyage leads in at £3,295 perperson on MS Fram for a February 13 departure, whereguests voyage through the Drakes Passage escorted byalbatrosses and storm petrels before arriving at Antarctica.

The ten-day voyage includes full board on the ship, localcharter flights to Ushuaia and lectures.

Flight packages from the UK to Buenos Aires areextra and cost from £1,392 including transfers and twonights' breakfast accommodation in Buenos Aires pre-and post-voyage. For more information call 020-8846 2666 or seewww.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card from Leisure Pass Group LEISURE PASS Group is giving agents the chance to grab aslice of the Italian market by selling the OMNIA Vaticanand Rome Card.

The pre-paid sightseeing pass will be available for salevia agents from January 1, 2013, opening up a newpotential source of ancillary income on city breaks to theItalian capital and the Vatican City.

The card offers free and fast track entry to the Vaticanmuseums, including the Sistine Chapel and a choice of fasttrack entry to St. Peter's Basilica or a tour of the VaticanGardens. Users also receive free entry to a choice of twoout of five top Rome attractions including the Coliseum,Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Borghese Gallery andNational Museum of Castel St. Angelo, and provides a freehop-on-hop-off bus tour ticket, a free travel card forunlimited travel on Rome’s public transport and a freemap of the city offering handy hints and tips.

Customers will able to collect the OMNIA Vatican andRome Card from five different locations in the city. It isvalid for three consecutive days and costs €90 for adultsand €60 for children.For more information email [email protected]

Antarctica

agentreviewAlan Haynes from Ultimate Destinations in Chorleywood,

Hertfordshire, went on a four-night fam to Turkey withMosaic Holidays. Here's what he thought of the

Kempinski Ciragan Palace in Istanbul and KempinskiBarbaros Bay, Bodrum...

Alan receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for his review. If you'd like to take part and receive a free Love2Shop voucher please email [email protected]

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

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

Very impressed with the service provided by TurkishAirlines and the use of the lounge at Gatwick was an addedbonus. The ground agents met us at the airport and wewere given an excellent introduction to Istanbul during thetransfer to the hotel. The Kempinski Cirgan Palacecertainly has the wow factor, a five-star hotel with fantasticviews over the Bosphorus.

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

Ciragan Palace - the facilities were excellent and included asmall museum explaining the history of the palace & thehotel. At Barbaros Bay we had a lovely welcome, great facili-ties, relaxing atmosphere and first class service throughout.

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

Both properties were worthy of their five-star rating.Quality experience at both hotels with top facilitiesdesigned to ensure guests are comfortable and all needsare catered for.

Affordability ........................................9/10

For the quality of the product, service and the primelocations of the hotels, the prices are fitting.

Service ................................................9/10

The service at both hotels was excellent.

Good to know ............................................I didn’t realise how easy it was to combine a city break witha beach holiday in Turkey. I was under the impression thatTurkey was a down-market destination and this trip provedotherwise. If staying at the Barbaros Bay, do visit Bodrumwith its castle, lovely white buildings and the marina withrows of gulets.

Overall scoring: ....................

1010/


newsbulletin


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Territory of Australia, with a population of1,402, capital is Flying Fish Cove.

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, December 20th. Solution and new

puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 30th November is Tony Duke, Smart Save

Travel in Hampshire.

November 30 Solution: A=4 B=9 C=6 D=5

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 093

Travagrams

Across 1. Title of Michael Buble's festive sounding

album (9)6. Carrier with HQ in Addis Ababa, ___ Airlines

(9)7. Swiss city and lake (6)8. European capital city (4)11. Travel industry association, initially (4)12. DerTour offers holidays to Christmas

markets in this city (6)15. Athens historic site and tourist attraction (9)17. Bank holiday, popular with shoppers and

sports fans (6,3)

Down 1. BBC weather girl, sounds like a Christmas song

(5)2. Statue of a mythical creature found in Giza (6)3. Villa specialist, part of TUI (4)4. Snow runner (3)5. Festive family show, oh no it isn't - oh yes it is!

(5)6. Number of Maids a milking in The Twelve Days

of Christmas (5)9. European airline (5)10. The Liffey flows through this Irish city (6)11. Car rental company (5)13. Girl's name, sounds like a traditional festive

decoration (5)14. Pay in advance for this discounted fare (4)16. Welsh actor and comedian, ___ Brydon (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 28

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

093

This operator’s name is made up of the chuckle of this Christmas favouritecombined with the subdivisions of the year, marked by changes in weather

Capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia & British scientist who laid thefoundations of the theory of evolution & how we think about the natural world

A She Nos So

Inward

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



THE INDEPENDENT travel agent is here to stay!However, as with any business, the travel industrywill never be without its challenges and, in my

opinion, how dull a life we would lead without the oddcurved ball being thrown at us from time to time.

As a new member of the AITO Agents’ panel and joint newowner of Carrick Travel this year, it’s interesting to reflecton the current issues facing the independent travel agent.

The first thing that springs to mind is last month’s hottopic - ATOL certificates - and how quickly we have all nowembraced what we think is required. Hopefully all agentsare providing clients with a certificate now - if not from ourtour operator partners, then from our own systems. Thechallenge now is for us all to ensure we have commercialagreements in place and on file should a tour operator gointo administration. This, in itself, is time-consuming and ajob we are working towards completing.

I must say I am at a loss to understand how everythinghas fallen on the shoulders of travel agents with the newregulations. We have to make sure a certificate has beengiven to a client when we take money from a client – andwe may or may not have received the certificate from thetour operator. We then have to ensure we have anagreement in place should the tour operator go intoadministration. And, if it does, then again it is ourresponsibility to refund clients.

I am sure that, as a result, we will see agents againreducing the number of tour operators they deal with. Itwill become essential to work with those who make the

booking process easy by sending commercial agreementsto agents without the constant chasing.

The proof of the success of the certificates - or not, asthe case may well be - is when a tour operator goes out ofbusiness and we see how many clients do not get a refundbecause they have not got a certificate or their agency hasnot got an agency agreement in place. Will the CAA reallynot refund a client if they have a certificate but their agentdoes not have a commercial agreement in place?

The topic that seems to have taken over from ATOL isthe reduction in commission payments from cruise lines.Speaking from a Carrick Travel perspective, we are nowbooking more mainstream cruises than in recent years.The reason is that we now have a reasonably level playingfield with the ‘big boys’ – previously, we were in a no-winsituation as often clients would discuss the discount theyhad received on board while on their cruise. As CarrickTravel does not discount, clients gave no consideration tothe service, advice and recommendations that we offered.

Another priority on the agenda at Carrick Travel iskeeping our staff motivated and committed to growing thebusiness. We’re always looking for new and innovativeways to do this, which in our opinion can only happen withour staff being behind the growth and expansion. We verymuch value our experienced and knowledgeable staff, butrealise that we need to continue to bring new blood intoour business too, so we’re intending to take onapprentices within three of our offices.

To conclude, always remember the challenges we facetoday are the opportunities of tomorrow - the independenttravel agent REALLY is here to stay!

by TRACEY CARTER, AITO Agent panel member & director ofCarrick Travel

To respond to any of Tracey’s views email [email protected]

opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!by TRACEY CARTER

"The topic that seems to have taken

over from ATOL is the reduction in

commission payments from cruise

lines. We are now booking more

mainstream cruises than in recent

years and the reason for this is that

we now have a reasonably level

playing field with the ‘big boys’"


Invites you to attend an

Indian Ocean Showcase Agent Networking Evening

Tuesday 15th January 2013

Carom Restaurant, 100 Wardour Street, London W1 Travel Bulletin is delighted to invite you to this training event covering all that this stunning region has to offerin terms of accommodation, flights, health and wellbeing, wedding and honeymoon and tailormade packages.

Registration : 18.15 hours

Networking & Presentations: 18.30 hours

Buffet, Entertainment & Prizes: 20.00 hours

Carriages: 21.30 hours For more information on how to exhibit or attend as a guest please email : [email protected] or telephone 020 7834 6661 Exhibitors

Indian Ocean Showcase Agent Training Event

Indian Ocean Showcase




New France brochures by Hoseasons THE HOSEASONS Group has launched two new France-focused brochures for 2013 from cottages4you and FrenchCountry Cottages, both offering reduced deposits of £25 onall bookings.

Cottages4you’s programme features more than 2,500properties, 50 of which are new for next year, and thebrochure includes introductions to individual regions,offering key highlights in addition to map references. Low,mid and high pricing indicators are also available for easycomparison between properties.

Examples include a property in Rocquecor close toTournon d’Agenais. Ideal for a couple, the detached,converted windmill sleeps two and offers views acrosssurrounding fields. It is set in an elevated position within alarge garden and is 2km from the village of Rocquecor and12km from Tournon d’Agenais. Prices lead in at £189 forseven nights, based on a January 5 arrival.

Meanwhile, French Country Cottages’ brochure showcasesits full range of properties, including 100 new cottages andvillas. It includes regional introductions with dedicated pagesfor Limousin and Midi-Pyrénées. Dordogne has also beenregrouped with Lot and Lot-et-Garonne, encompassing threeareas with similar landscapes, amenities and history.

New properties include the Milly - Gennes, Maine-et-Loire,Loire Valley. The 16th century property, which is adjoined tothe Milly château, has been restored and furnished in Frenchcountry style with an open fire. Sleeping up to four people,prices start from £708 for a seven-night break.

Real Azores programme fromSunvilSUNVIL DISCOVERY has launched its 2013 Real Azoresbrochure featuring single, multi-centre and tailor-madeitineraries to all nine of the mid-Atlantic islands.

Several new properties have been added, including theAzores’ first five-star hotel, as well as new activities and anew guided tour.

Set on the seafront in Terceira’s capital, Angra doHeroismo, the recently opened five-star Hotel Angra Marinaoffers a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and piano bar, withprices leading in at £987 per person.

Meanwhile, a selection of new experiences are available,including a guided walk on the island of Pico, with pricesleading in at £28 per person for an 8km Vinhas da CriacaoVelha walk from Porto do Calhau to Areia Larca.

New guided tours include the seven-night Garden Tour ofSao Miguel, which departs on June 8 and takes gardenenthusiasts from watermills, forests and botanical gardens tovolcanic caldera and hot springs around the island. The tourcosts from £1,691 per person, based on two sharing andincludes direct flights with SATA International from Gatwick,half-board accommodation at two three-star hotels, fivelunches with drinks, transfers, guided excursions, theservices of David Sayers and a local guide.

A £20 reduction per person applies on all bookings madebefore February 28 when flying direct with SATA International.Clients departing in March, April or October also have thechoice of one free excursion per person.

newsbulletin



The LuxuryCollection Hotels& Resorts invests$200m to restore

heritage hotels THE LUXURY CollectionHotels & Resorts, part ofStarwood Hotels &Resorts Worldwide, hasannounced that thecompany and its ownersare investing $200millionto renovate and restoresome of its mostcelebrated hotels inEurope.

The brand reports thatit is already off to astrong start with thereopening of two hotelsin Spain this year: HotelAlfonso XIII in Seville andHotel Maria Cristina inSan Sebastian, which willbe followed by the debutof the restored GrittiPalace in Venice andPrince de Galles in Parisin 2013.

The company's globalbrand leader Paul Jamessaid: “We are delightedto reintroduce thesehistoric icons, carefullyrestored by some of theworld’s most renownedarchitects, interiordesigners and craftsmenwho have preserved theauthentic elegance anddistinct personality sobeloved by its guests,while bringing thelandmark hotels into the21st century."For more informationvisitwww.starwoodhotels.com

REZIDOR HAS opened its latest flagship in Russia, the 508-room Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Centre, Sochi.

The property is located in the Adler district, directlybordering Sochi’s 2014 Winter Games facilities and the BlackSea coast, adjacent to the promenade.

Facilities at the 508-room hotel include free high speedinternet access, Anne Sémonin bath products, a selection ofdining and drinking experiences, fitness centre, tennis court,billiards room and children’s recreational facilities.

A spa centre also offers beauty treatments, massages,manicures and a hairdressing studio, while Finnish andRussian saunas, a hammam with relaxation area and a

Jacuzzi are also available. Meanwhile, Sochi town and its surroundings are currently

undergoing a major transformation to take the area from aregional tourist hub into a global tourism destination inpreparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Works areunderway to improve the infrastructure and create modernattractions, including the construction of an Olympic Park onthe Black Sea, theme parks and enhanced ski facilities. Thefirst Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix is also planned to beheld at the end of 2014 on a race track winding around theOlympic Park. Sochi’s main stadium will also host the 2018FIFA World Cup finals.

Rezidor opens the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Centre, Sochi

hotelbulletin

HAMPTON HOTELS has opened its latest property, the 188-room Hampton by Hilton London LutonAirport. The hotel is ideally located for the convenience of air travellers, less than a mile fromthe main airport terminal. Ease of access to Central London is also guaranteed, with the adjacentLuton Airport Parkway train station running regular high speed services to St Pancras. Servicesinclude unlimited Wi-fi access, free hot breakfast and round the clock snacks as well as 24-hourbusiness and fitness centres.For details see www.hamptonbyhilton.com

InBrief● SANDALS RESORTS International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, and

Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts, has purchased The Veranda Resorts & Residences in Turks & Caicos.● THISTLE HOTELS has redeveloped its Website at www.thistle.com to offer a newly designed

homepage, upgraded four-step booking journey and visible offers, searchable by hotel, date andoffer type.

● GUOMAN HOTELS has revealed its new Website at www.guoman.com, which features superfastHTML5, ensuring time is saved when browsing, booking and upgrading rooms from PCs, tablets ormobile technology platforms.

● RADISSON BLU Edwardian, London has achieved GOLD GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme)Awards for all 13 hotels in the luxury London hotel group.

● HYATT HOTELS Corporation has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into an agreement withBonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corp. (BLC), a joint-venture company between propertydeveloper Federal Land Inc. and Japanese financial services group ORIX Corporation, for a Grand Hyatthotel and Grand Hyatt branded residences in Manila, Philippines, scheduled to open in 2015.

● MELIÁ HOTELS International will open its first two Innside by Meliá hotels in Spain early next year. Thefirst, a four-star Innside Madrid Génova, is located in the central Alonso Martínez square and will offer65 guestrooms. The second property will be the Innside Madrid Luchana, with 43 rooms. For details see www.melia.com


Who is your ideal travelling companion? I think I’d better say my wife, Natalie. Sheworks in the travel industry so she is likelyto be reading this!

What's your earliest childhood memory? Kicking a football around in the gardenwith my dad when I was very young.Sport – and football in particular - hasalways been one of my big passions.

Where was your last work-related trip? We recently held Intrepid’s annual salesconference in Lorne, a seaside town notfar from Melbourne along the GreatOcean Road.

If you were a celebrity who wouldyou choose to be and why? Daniel Craig. If you’ve ever watched himin a James Bond film then you’llunderstand why.

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you?Ambitious, confident, fun.

What have your travels taught you? That the best way to get under the skinof a destination is to spend time talkingto local people. You'll learn much morethan you could find in a guidebook, andit will make the experience far morememorable.

What is the best advice you recall?I spent the first few years of my careerworking in the city, but I didn’t enjoy it agreat deal. My dad advised me to dosomething that I felt passionate about,and that was why I decided to work inthe travel industry.

If you could have a room full of anyone thing, what would it be?Friends and family.

If you could change three things inthe industry, what would they be?Like many consumers, I dislike the hiddencharges that you get in some parts of theindustry and I think that the price thatyou see should be the price that you pay.I’d like to change the perception thattravel needs to be discounted to be goodvalue, and also change the expectationthat you should get an upgrade justbecause you work in the industry.

Who has been the biggestinspiration/influence in your career? From a personal viewpoint, my dad forencouraging me to do something I feltpassionate about. From a work

James Thornton

The managing director of Intrepid Travel admitshe’s a bit of a technophobe...

perspective, Intrepid’s co-founders GeoffManchester and Darrell Wade, for neverbeing afraid to innovate and change withthe times.

What's your favourite city and why? Rio de Janeiro, for its mix of iconicsights, beautiful beaches, culture andnightlife and incredible people.

What is your motto in life? You only get one shot, so do somethingyou care about.

What is your favourite mode of travel? I like to travel by bike – it’s a great way toget around and you keep fit at the sametime.

What item do you always take withyou when travelling? Noise-cancelling headphones are anessential for all the long-haul flights that Itake.

How do you deal with stress? I go for a run which is a great way to getthings in perspective.

How do you cope with the advancesin technology? I’m a bit of a technophobe. I’ve justworked out how to use my iPad.

What’s your favourite movie of all time?It would have to be ShawshankRedemption, it’s a real classic.

What’s your favourite programme on the TV right now? I’m hooked on Homeland.

What do you love about your job? I feel extremely fortunate to have theopportunity to travel to so many differentcountries and experience so manydifferent cultures.

Career path● 2002 – 2005: Portfolio assistant,

Thesis Asset Management● 2005 – 2007: UK & Europe Industry

sales manager, Intrepid Travel● 2007 – 2010: Global Industry sales

manager, Intrepid Travel● 2010 – 2011: General manager global

sales, Intrepid Travel● 2011 – 2012: General manager global

sales & regional director UK &Europe, Intrepid Travel

● Dec 2012: Managing director,Intrepid Travel

“Thebest way to get

under the skin of adestination is to spend

time talking to localpeople. You'll learn

much more than youcould find in a

guidebook”

personalitybulletin




INCREASED NUMBERS of cruise passengersand brand growth went hand in hand with newenvironmental initiatives last year, accordingto the third annual Carnival UK SustainabilityReport.

A 5% increase in passenger numbers (to1.7m) across the UK market helped boostcruise line, passenger and crew spending inthe UK economy by 10% to €2.8bn with the64,000 jobs generated adding another €2.3bnin salaries paid.

Carnival UK was a major contributor withP&O Cruises and Cunard Line adding capacityduring the year and P&O Cruises furtherdemonstrating its commitment to the UK withthe ordering of its largest ship for delivery in2015.

At the same time, the drive to ensure thatthe sector's growth was sustainable continuedthroughout the company's operations.

Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said:“Cruising is a fast growing part of the shippingindustry that has always looked and plannedwell ahead and this has never been moreimportant than right now when it faces somany challenges. These include theescalating cost of fuel and the global,national, regional and local pressures on us to

respond to environmental concerns andsecure for the industry a wholly sustainablefuture.

“We recognise the need to set the agendafor building an industry that is sustainableeconomically, socially and environmentally.”

During the year, the line signed up to Vision2040, a strategy developed by the newly-formed Sustainable Shipping Initiative whichincludes a commitment to pioneer orimplement "aggressive" energy efficiencies inship design, retrofitting and operations and toseek out renewable and other energy sourcesto achieve “significant” reductions ingreenhouse gases.

The company also used funds generated bythe removal of silver from on-boardphotographic waste to support marine lifesafaris on kayaks along Dorset's JurassicCoast, and also supports the Sussex WildlifeTrust’s beach school programme, whichteaches primary school children about theimportance of the marine environment.

Carnival UK ships also self-generated 87%of the water used on board compared with84% in 2010 and 65% in 2008 while - pro rata– their CO2 emissions were down 11% on2010 and 32% on 2008.

Sail to the BlackSea next spring

with SwanHellenic

SWAN HELLENIC isencouraging agents tohighlight Greece and theCrimea – Black Seaitinerary on MV Minervato clients interested indiscovering the history ofancient Greece and theCrimea.

Passengers will getthe chance to explore thebirthplace of Westerncivilisation in Athens,take a scenic trainjourney climbing theslopes of Mount Pelionand experience a specialevening performance inthe famous Odessa OperaHouse in Ukraine.Professor Ian Beckett –an expert in the CrimeanWar and Dr SteveKershaw – a specialist inGreek and Romanhistory, will also join thepanel of guest speakerson board to bring thedestinations to life.

Prices lead in at £2,850per person, based on twopeople sharing an insidecabin for an April 10,2013 departure. Itincludes flights,transfers, a tailor-madeprogramme of shoreexcursions in every port– worth up to £500 perperson, guest speakertalks, meals andentertainment on-board,all gratuities and allrelevant taxes/fees.For details seewww.swanhellenic.comor call 0844-822 0679.

OCEANIA CRUISES is expanding its Culinary Discovery Tours tothe South Pacific on its mid-sized luxury cruise ship Marina.Uniquely designed for each port, the tours provide guests withthe opportunity to explore local food markets, vineyards andfarms in small groups with an expert chef. Participants then jointhe chef in the cookery school for a hands-on cooking lesson ofthe regional cuisine in one of 24 workstations.

The new South Pacific Culinary Discovery Tours are offered inthe Bay of Islands and Tauranga, New Zealand on the 18-day

South Pacific Paradise cruise. Departing Papeete, Tahiti onFebruary 7, 2013, the cruise calls at 11 ports throughout FrenchPolynesia, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia beforearriving in New Zealand. Marina also sails three additionalSouth Pacific voyages with highlights that include overnightcalls at Easter Island and Bora Bora, cruising the TuamotuArchipelago and crossing the international dateline. For more information visit www.oceaniacruises.com or call on 0845-505 1920.

Oceania Cruises expands Culinary Discovery Tours to the South Pacific

SILVERSEA HAS launched its 2013/14 Galápagos programme. The year-round schedule of seven-dayexpedition voyages on the 100-guest, all-suite Silver Galapagos will begin operating in late September2013. The two voyages will be a western Itinerary round-trip from Baltra Island, travelling across thewestern, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana,San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz. A north central itinerary round-trip from Baltra Island will encompass thenortheast, central and southeast islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal,Española and Plazas Sur. Fares start at £3,550 per person based on two sharing. For details see www.silversea.com/expeditions

Carnival's sustainability report reveals more cruise passengersbring greater economic benefits with less environmental impact

cruisebulletin

S04 TB1412 Cruising and Training_Layout 1 12/12/2012 13:02 Page 17

LAUNCHED AT this year's ABTAConvention in Turkey's Belek,VisitEngland’s new trainingprogramme, in association withTravelUni, saw 100 people sign up tothe course in the first week.

The tourist board has alsoannounced that the first 50 agents tocomplete the first module of theEngland Expert programme will beentered into a prize draw to win apackage at Thermae Bath Spa or a

trip on the London Eye plus dinner fortwo courtesy ofDoSomethingDifferent.com

Other prizes include shoppingvouchers courtesy of Great RailJourneys and prizes sponsored byShearings, Preston Holidays,Superbreak and My Chocolate.

The programme consists of twomodules, including ‘What MakesEngland Great’, which containsinformation on how to sell England

and where to book, and ‘England TheFacts’, which provides destinationinformation divided into geographicalareas with an interactive map game.

In addition to the trainingprogramme, the company will launcha new £2million TV advertisement inthe spring of next year, created toencourage Brits to book a holiday inEngland through their local agent.For more information seewww.englandexpert.com

THE FIRST 50 agents to complete one of the new PATAAcademy courses, ‘Pacific Expert’ or ‘Asia Expert’, byDecember 21 will receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher percertificate.

Every month until January 2013, a tourist office memberwill also give away a £50 Love2Shop voucher in a prize drawfor all agents who have completed a certificate in that

month. All agents who complete a certificate will also beguaranteed a place at the PATA Party events to join theassociation’s members for a Christmas drink at the IslandBar in Birmingham on December 10 or the Sports CaféLondon on December 19.For more information visit www.pataacademy.com orwww.pata.org.uk/events

Become an Asia Pacific expert and win up to £70 Love2Shop vouchers

Win a trip to Texas with Online Travel TrainingONLINE TRAVEL Training (OTT) is offering agents thechance to win a Lone Star Texas badge when they take allsix of its Texas courses. On completion of the modules,agents will be invited to attend a Texpert Agent event hostedin their honour and will also have the chance to win a trip toTexas for two (including flights and accommodation) to learnabout the cities and services the state has to offer.

Some of the courses also have their own prize giveawayssuch as an original handmade pair of leather Texas boots. For details see www.texperttraining.com

The company is also running 'Out Now' Business Class e-learning training to equip agents with delivering the beststandard of service to their lesbian and gay travel market.

Training is also being offered on the Elite Island Resorts,a group of Caribbean beach resorts located in Antigua; theBritish Virgin Islands; the Grenadines; and St Lucia.Operated in the UK by Resort Marketing International, theresorts offer breaks for singles, couples and families. Thereis also the potential for selling wedding and honeymoonpackages.For more information visit www.ott.travel


training

VisitEngland training scheme sees 100 sign-ups in first week

Galley Bay Beach, Antigua

S04 TB1412 Cruising and Training_Layout 1 12/12/2012 12:48 Page 18


WOW Air appointsUK general sales agent

WOW AIR of Iceland hasappointed Flight Directorsas its exclusive generalsales agent for the UK.The announcement followsthe completion of lastmonth's takeover ofcompeting airline, IcelandExpress, and underlinesthe carrier’s commitmentto broaden its UKdistribution through thetravel trade.

The airline operates sixweekly flights to Keflavikfrom Gatwick (daily exceptSaturday), which willincrease to 12 flights perweek next summer, whenfour new Airbus A320aircraft join the fleet.

iceland

TABER HOLIDAYS hasadded a new four-night‘Hiking Like A Viking’ itinerary thatexplores the landscapes of southwest Iceland,discovering green valleys, lunar-like landscapes, lavafields, hot springs and bird cliffs. Activities includebathing in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon or a natural geothermalriver and hiking to the top of the volcano crater on the island

of Heimæy. Prices lead in at £1,334 per personincluding flights from Heathrow, transfers,

breakfast accommodation, entrance to the BlueLagoon and the services of a bus and guide.Departures are on July 3, 17 and 31 andAugust 14, 2013.

For details call 01274-875199 orsee www.taberhols.co.uk

COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has added aspecial New Year’s Eve departure on its‘Images of Iceland’ short break, as well asa choice of new hotels on all departuresfor next year.

The December 30, 2013 departure willfeature a fireworks display, a four-coursegala dinner and a Bonfire & ChristmasLight Tour, and leads in at £959 perperson.

Also new is an expanded choice ofhotels including the four-diamond ratedIce Hotel, as well as the traditionalReykjavik Centrum in the heart of the oldcity, offering modern facilities.

Prices lead in at £765 per person toinclude five nights' breakfastaccommodation at the three-starFosshotel Lind, Reyjkavik, flights,transfers and a range of sightseeing,including the Golden Circle, Gullfoss,Geysir, Thingvellir National Park and BlueLagoon. Flights are available fromHeathrow, Manchester and Glasgow.

As well as the short break to Rejkjavik,an ‘Icelandic Adventure’ is available for2013 with departures from April toNovember to experience the landscape ofgeysers, glaciers, volcanoes andwaterfalls across the country.

Prices lead in at £1,335 per person toinclude a range of sightseeing, sevennights' breakfast accommodation, somemeals and the services of a tour director.For more information or to book call 0844-573 0668 or visitwww.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

G ADVENTURES has launched Iceland trips for the firsttime.

A Summer Trekking in Iceland itinerary explores thechanging geographical landscape of the destination,trekking along the sides of volcanoes and across afrozen glacier. Accommodation is in a camp behind themountains in a secluded campsite along the LaugavagurTrail. Prices lead in at £1,699 per person for ten days.

An Iceland Local Living trip explores Iceland'sgeothermal features and guests have the opportunity torelax at an old farmhouse with hot tubs and a sauna,

tour Reykjavik by bicycle and get to know the Icelandicpeople. Prices start from £1,089 for a seven-day trip.

Meanwhile, an Iceland Adventure offers a soak in hotsprings and rivers, the option to learn about glaciersfrom an expert guide whilst trekking across one, spotpuffins and other regional birds, visit fishing villages andfarms for a taste of local life and watch geology in actionat the lava fields and volcanoes of Iceland.

A 12-day trip costs from £2,749 per person.For more information or to book visitwww.gadventures.com

Debut Iceland itineraries from G Adventures with seven-day prices from £1,089

The Blue Lagoon

Cosmos Tours & Cruises adds New Year departure plus new hotels

S05 TB1412 Iceland_Layout 1 12/12/2012 14:32 Page 19

SKI SAFARI has announced that it isoffering Reykjavik as a free stopoveroption when flying to Denver. Thecompany says that for this season,and for flights from Heathrow,Manchester or Glasgow, it is also acheaper flight option than flyingdirect.

Prices in Iceland have reduced by

two thirds since the banking crisis,making it a much more affordable citybreak destination. Activities on offerin Reykjavik include a visit to the BlueLagoon from £50 per person includingtransfers and bathing fee; exploringthe city with a three-hour ReykjavikGrand Excursion (by coach and foot)from £27; visiting the glaciers from

£110 (eight to ten hours); and winterwhale-watching from £43.

A two-night Reykjavik add-onincluding a three-hour NorthernLights tour, accommodation andtransfers costs from £115.For more information or to book visit www.skisafari.com or call 01273-224060.

A NEW tour from Regent Holidays now gives UK visitors thechance to explore the remote Westfords region during the‘white nights’ of 2013, with four departure dates in June,July and August.

With just 7,400 inhabitants in the region, each person hasnearly a square mile of personal space, and while visitorswill find the local culture of interest, it is nature in the Westfjords that attracts visitors; cliffs and valleys are packedwith birds, the uninhabited fjords offer silence andtranquility and the Arctic fox roams the mountains andinlets.

The company's ten-day tour will operate with a minimumof two people and maximum of 16. Highlights includeswimming in a geothermal pool; kayaking, fishing andhorseriding; sailing to Vigur island; adventure truckingaround the Slettanes peninsula; visiting the seven tieredwaterfall Dynjandi; and flying over scenery between theWest fjords and Reykjavik.

Prices lead in at £1,310 per person, based on two sharingand include flights from Heathrow, breakfast

accommodation, eight dinners, excursions as outlined andthe services of a guide throughout. For details visit www.regentholidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1290.

Regent Holidays adds ten-day remote western tour with four departures

West fjords waterfalls

Ski Safari offers free stopover option in Reykjavik on flights to Denver


iceland

COLLETTE WORLDWIDE has announced the addition of a new nine-day ‘Inspiring Iceland’ group tour as part of its expanded programme for nextyear. The tour is one of a programme of ‘explorations’, where groups are kept small (no more than 28) and experiences are personal, tailoredand cultural. The nine-day Iceland exploration leads in at £2,099 per person and highlights include a bicycle tour of Reykjavik, a trip to theGullfoss Waterfall, a visit to a family shark farming business and a chance to try Icelandic delicacies like cured ‘hakare’. Visits to the Blue Lagoonand Golden Circle are also included, as are flights, many meals, door to door pick up within 100 miles of the UK departure airport and a tourleader. For details see www.colletteworldwide.com or call 0800-804 8700.


THE ADVENTURE Company has added a new summeritinerary to its range of almost 100 family adventureholidays.

On the week-long trip families can explore lava fields,

craters, volcanoes and waterfalls and swim in the glacialBlue Lagoon. Lead in prices start from £1,099 forchildren and £1,469 for adults including flights fromLondon.

Blue Lagoon

Great Value 2013 Iceland Holidays - Guided Sightseeing Included

With over 50 years experience in arranging touring holidays, Cosmos Tours & Cruises feature two fantastic value itineraries to explore Iceland’s spectacular landscape, natural wonders and famous capital city of Reykjavik.

5 day Images of Iceland from £765

8 day An Icelandic Adventure from £1,335

Price includes:

(supplements may apply)

(4 dinners included on Icelandic Adventure)

tours & cruises

See the Northern

Lights at their

peak in 2013

Reservations & Admin 0844 573 0660 The Uk’s No 1 Independent Tour Operator

iceland

The Adventure Company adds seven-day family break for summer from £1,469


ICELANDAIR HAS signed a contract with Row 44, a leader incommercial in-flight broadband service, to equip its fleet withhigh-speed Wi-fi.

Passengers will be able to use their own Wi-fi-enableddevices to connect to the internet with the new service from theend this month, and the fleet installation is expected to becompleted by the autumn of 2013.

The carrier’s general manager UK Hjorvar SaebergHognason said: “While we currently offer leather seats andpersonal in-flight entertainment systems for all passengers,this new service will take us to new heights. It will be exciting totake a photo out the window as you’re flying over Iceland andsend it to your friends 35,000 feet below.”

This year the airline celebrates 75 years of aviation and offersservices to Iceland from Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow andGatwick.

Meanwhile, the carrier is expanding its route network nextyear with a new service to Anchorage, Alaska. The company willalso increase frequency from two of its UK gateways, Glasgowand Gatwick, with two flights per week to Anchorage from May15 to September 15.

The airline’s frequency from both Glasgow and Gatwick willalso increase in 2013. From March 15 the Glasgow service willincrease to four times weekly with the addition of a Friday flight,while the service from Gatwick will increase to three timesweekly from May 21, with the addition of a Thursday flight.

The Northern Lights

Icelandair to offer in-flight Wi-fi service across fleet & expands network for 2013


HOTEL RANGA in Hella (pictured) is running an 'Age of the Aurora' promotion, which is valid until April15, 2013 and offers 30% savings on a four-night stay. Prices lead in at €686 based on two sharing astandard room and €898 for two sharing a deluxe room. Located close to all of southern Iceland 'smain attractions, activities and historical sites, the property's surroundings offer views of Mt. Hekla, arange of mountains, glaciers and a live volcano. Onsite activities include fishing, horse-riding, snow-mobiling, glacier tours, guided keep tours and helicopter trips to the nearby volcano on Eyjafjalljökull.

EXPLORERS ASTRONOMY Tours has added a new NorthernLights short break with departures this month and next.

The five-day tour costs from £899 per person withoutflights or £1,099 with flights, and begins in Reykjavikbefore travelling to the shores of Lake Myvatn in northernIceland, to explore rugged landscapes, snow-coveredvolcanoes, icy waterfalls, natural springs and the auroraborealis.

The company’s operations manager David Phillips said:

“The Northern Lights are high up on many people’s wish-list of natural wonders to witness at least once in theirlifetime, and this year the display should be even morespectacular than usual.”

The operator also offers several other trips to see theNorthern Lights, including an eight-day Icelandic NorthernLights tour (from £1,499 with flights) and a five-dayGlaciers, Geysers & Northern Lights break, with leads in at£1,159 including flights.

Explorers Astronomy Tours adds five-day Northern Lights break from £899

EXODUS HAS added new trips to Icelandfor next year.As examples, an Iceland Northern Lightsitinerary departs between January andMarch and offers visits to the GlacialLagoon, the Vatnajokull National Parkand a number of waterfalls.

A week-long Discover Iceland touroffers an introduction to the southernhalf of the country, with guests travelling

from Snaefellsness Peninsula in thewest across the lunar-like landscape ofthe Fjallabak Nature Reserve to theeastern side of Vatnajokull NationalPark. Craters, hot springs, lava flowsand waterfalls dot the route, beforeheading along the south coast toReykjavik. Departures are from May toJuly.

Meanwhile, a Southern Iceland

Snowshoe Adventure departs onFebruary 3 and March 10 and starts witha visit to The Blue Lagoon, beforespending time at the Glacial Lagoon, hotsprings and in the Blue Mountains. Icecave exploration and the Seljalandsfossand Gulfoss waterfalls also feature in theitinerary, as well as time in Reykjavik. For more information visitwww.exodus.co.uk

Exodus adds selection of new explorations in Iceland for next year

iceland


Attraction World highlights best-sellersATTRACTION WORLD is promoting a selection of best-selling Iceland tours.

A Northern Lights Mystery Tour costs from £32 per adult and £16 per child (aged three-11) and includes complimentary hotel pick up from Reykjavik hotels.

A Blue Lagoon Direct and Golden Circle Express costs from £81 per adult and £40 perchild and is recommended for those on a flying visit who want to see the sights. Attractionsinclude the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle in Reykjavik and the Gullfoss glacial waterfall.Round-trip transport is included.

Another popular tour is the Snaefellsnes National Park which costs £118 per adult and£59 per child. Located in the west of Iceland, the peninsula offers a range of recreationalactivities and the tour takes in a variety of shores and scenery, beaches and bird life.Highlights include a visit to the ancient sites of volcanic eruptions and a visit toStykkisholmur village, en route to Reykjavik. Round trip transport is included and all toursare fully commissionable to agents.

Northern Lightsadventure fromImaginativeTravellerIMAGINATIVE TRAVELLER isoffering a four-nightNorthern Lights tour fromOctober 1, 2013 to March,2014, with prices leading in at£950 per person, excludingflights.

Highlights include huntingfor the Aurora Borealis, lavacaving, geo-thermal pooldipping, lobster-feasting,glacier hiking, Golden Circletouring and snorkelling in theSilfrá fissure (to see one ofonly two tectonic rift valleycollisions in the world) inThingvellir National Park.

Accommodation is at thenewly-built ION Hotel andtours depart weekly, withflights leading in at £170. For more information or tobook call 01728-885561 orvisit www.imaginative-traveller.com

iceland


HOSEASONS REPORTS that it took 42.5% more bookings for2012 lodge and parks breaks in the two weeks immediatelyfollowing the October/November half-term than in the sameperiod last year.

According to the company's managing director, Pali Badwal,the figures show that offering the right product at the rightprice can bring business opportunities at the tail-end of theyear.

Badwal said: “A few years ago, we would have beenconcentrating exclusively on the following season by this stagein the year, but we have increasingly realised there is a greatopportunity to latch on to demand for late-booked shortbreaks, even at this stage.

“We have seen more very late bookings coming in

throughout this year, and we are geared up in terms ofmarketing, offers and staffing to maximise our share. Althoughthe numbers are obviously smaller this time of year, the trendis clearly continuing.

“Many of these autumn and winter breaks will be in additionto the main summer holiday, so they represent an excellentopportunity for us and our travel trade partners to gain extrabusiness by taking advantage of the continuing popularity ofthe domestic product. Holidaymakers taking short breaks atthis time of the year want quality, cosy accommodation at theright price and plenty to do without travelling too far, so theright mix of product, choice of locations and value for money isvital to success – as is knowledge of the facilities available andlocal events, such as Christmas fairs.”

SHORT BREAKS are good for usaccording to research by DFDS Seaways,which found that 76% of Brits feltrelaxed, 72% felt happy and 68% feltrefreshed after a short break of five daysor less.

According to the research, just underhalf of Brits take an average of three tofour short breaks a year, with more thanhalf citing a key benefit as being theability to take short breaks more oftenthan longer holidays. Some 42% ofadults surveyed also stated that the easeand convenience of a short break was amajor benefit, while just under a third

agreed that less packing was a winningfactor.

Even though one in five revealed thatnothing stops them from taking a shortbreak, one of the top barriers for otherssurveyed was the cost of the break (48%)followed by the time required for a shortbreak (41%).

In response to the results of thesurvey, the line is offering 40% offselected mini sailings from Newcastleand Harwich. The cruises feature livemusic, entertainment, bars, restaurants,shops and an onboard cinema or ondemand films in cabins. The offer

applies to a range of cruises, including atwo-night Amsterdam break, whichleads in at £45 per person and includesan en-suite cabin and coach transfers toand from Amsterdam. With dailydepartures from Newcastle, the offer isvalid until February 31, 2013 for bookingsmade by January 2.

Alternatively, a two-night Esbjergcruise costs from £54 per person for anen-suite cabin. The offer is valid onselected departures until March 31 andthe cruise departs from Harwich.For more information or to book call0871-522 9976 or visit www.dfds.co.uk

Short breaks toCroatia andMadeira withAnatolian SkyANATOLIAN SKY Holidays,which has recentlylaunched new programmesto both Croatia andMadeira, is highlighting aselection of short breaks inboth destinations.

As examples, three-nightbreaks to Dubrovnik,staying at the Hotel Uvalaon the Lapad Peninsula,lead in at £395 per person.

Alternatively, a three-night break in Madeiracosts from £399 per personstaying at the Quinta BelaSao Tiago in Funchal’s OldTown.

Prices are based on twoadults sharing and includeflights, transfers andbreakfast accommodation.For more information call0844-273 3585 or visitwww.anatoliansky.co.uk

New research from DFDS Seaways reveals short breaks are good for us

Hoseasons sees demand for last minute breaks & reports 42% increase in bookings


shortbreaks

SPAIN'S LA Manga Club is offering a three-night stay for couples looking to see in the New Year, withprices leading in at €428 (approximately £356) per person. The short break offers a cocktail receptionand six-course gala dinner on New Year's Eve, including reserve wines, Champagne and an open barwith premium brands. A 16-piece band La Mundial will provide live entertainment and music from thelast four decades, and for parents with children, the resort will look after kids with a special New Yearbuffet with supervised fun, clowns and games. Accommodation is at the property's five-star hotel,with prices based on two sharing a room. Breakfast and access to the fitness centre, indoor pool,saunas and steam rooms are also included. For details email [email protected] or visit www.lamangaclub.com

S06 TB1412 Short Breaks_v02_Layout 1 12/12/2012 15:05 Page 24


Warner LeisureHotels launchesnew ‘Pop Choir’WARNER LEISURE Hotels’guests can indulge insinging some all-timefavourites with the hotelgroup’s new daytimesignature event – 'WarnerPop Choir', a fun singingworkshop hosted by thehotels’ entertainment team.

As an example of prices,a four-night midweek breakat Gunton Hall in Suffolkcosts £190 per person,based on two adultssharing a Standard Chaleton a half-board basis for aFebruary 4 arrival, includingthe ‘Warner Pop Choir’daytime event. For details call 0808-141 1111 or seewww.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

BBC ‘STRICTLY Come Dancing’ star Brendan Cole will bequickstepping his way back to the Celtic Manor Resort inSouth Wales for Brendan Cole: Live at the Manor on March 9,2013.

The resort will be offering Ballroom and Bedroom packageswhere guests can attend an exclusive after-show party anddance with Brendan and his team of professional dancers.

As an example, a Brendan Cole: Up Close and Personalpackage gives guests an opportunity to meet the professionaldancer at a cocktail reception before the event and dance thenight away at a private after-party. It includes front row tableseats and a three-course dinner with wine during the showand an overnight breakfast stay at the property.

Cole said: “It will be an absolute pleasure to return to theCeltic Manor Resort and enjoy some more of that famousWelsh hospitality. The wonderful ballroom at Celtic Manor isthe perfect venue for a more intimate stage show and I reallyenjoyed meeting the audience last year. This really is uniqueamong the shows I perform and it’s a great way for dancelovers to get right up close to what we do.”

All packages, which start from £150 per person or £204when including an overnight stay, include a Champagnereception on arrival, three-course dinner with wine and theshow.For details visit www.celtic-manor.com or call 01633-410318.

Weekend ski breaksfrom Ski Safari

SKI SAFARI has introduceda selection of weekend skibreak packages toSwitzerland, departing onFriday morning andreturning on Monday.

The three-star HotelGarni Belmont in Engelbergis offering three nights’breakfast accommodation,easyJet flights fromGatwick and rail transfersfrom £405 per person.

Meanwhile, three nights’breakfast accommodationat the three-starAlpenhotel in Laax costsfrom £385, with easyJetflights from Gatwick andrail transfers.For more information or to book visitwww.skisafari.com or call 01273-224060.

GRAND UK Holidays has added two rockand pop-themed holidays to its range ofshort breaks for 2013.The four-night Torquay Rock andBlackpool Cabaret & the Singing Citybreaks have been added to the portfolioof themed coach tours, which offeractivities such as line dancing, bingo andbowling.

Also new for next year is a shortbreak to see horse racing at GreatYarmouth.

The operator's sales director HaroldBurke said: “Our clients are keen toindulge in their hobbies or take up newinterests while on holiday, so eachseason we add fresh options to ourthemed short breaks.

“Such short breaks are great foragents who want to attract repeat

customers, as clients like to return yearafter year to meet their fellowenthusiasts.

“Themed breaks are also popularamong agents who have built up arapport locally with special interestgroups, such as dance groups, historicalgroups, and retirement groups. Anddon’t forget – the teenagers of the 1960sare now the babyboomers of today, sothey relish the chance to relive theirrock-and-roll heyday!”

The Blackpool Cabaret & the SingingCity leads in at £229 per person and hasa 60s music theme, drawing inspirationfrom the sounds of Liverpool. It followsin the footsteps of the Beatles, offering aferry ride over the Mersey and anexcursion to the Lake District. Based inthe New President Hotel, which offers

cabaret entertainment each evening, thetrip costs from £229 per person for half-board accommodation and travel.

Meanwhile, Torquay Rock is based atthe Hotel Richmond in Torquay andincludes sightseeing trips to placesassociated with teddy boys, mods androckers, featuring themed quizzes andfancy dress competitions. The trip leadsin at £329 per person for half-boardaccommodation and travel.

Alternatively, Let’s Go Racing is acoach holiday based at the Nelson Hotelin Great Yarmouth. It featuressightseeing excursions as well as a tripto an evening race meeting, and leads inat £329 per person for half-boardaccommodation and travel.For more information call 01603-619933or see www.grandukholidays.com

Grand UK Holidays helps guests head down memory lane with themed breaks

shortbreaks

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has added the four-star Westin New YorkGrand Central property to its New York programme. The hotel,which opened its doors in October following a $75millionrenovation, was previously known as the New York Helmsley.Located in the centre of Manhattan, the hotel is within easy reachof all the city’s popular attractions. A free night offer is currentlyavailable, meaning that a four-night stay for two adults costs from£759 per person. The price is based on a February 7, 2013departure and includes Virgin Atlantic flights. For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk

TV star Brendan Cole quicksteps back to Celtic Manor for ballroom package


P&O CRUISES has added nine short cruises ranging fromtwo to five nights in 2013, visiting the Channel Islands,Belgium and the Netherlands.

Available on a choice of family-friendly large and mid-sized ships from April to July, all short break cruises departfrom and return to Southampton.

Prices lead in at £199 per person for a two-night cruise onAzura departing on April 16, which calls at St Peter Port.

Alternatively, classical singers Jonathan Antoine and

Charlotte Jaconelli, who contended in this year’s Britain’sGot Talent, will provide entertainment on the Azura ship aspart of its four-night cruise departing on April 18. Priceslead in at £319 per person and the itinerary calls atZeebrugge and St Peter Port.

Other breaks include a five-night cruise on Ventura,calling at Amsterdam and St Peter Port. It departs on June 3with prices leading in at £449 per person. For details call 0843-373 0111 or see www.pocruises.co.uk

FOLLOWING THE airing ofthe BBC series, ‘GreatBritish Railway Journeys’,Treyn and Great RailJourneys report an increasein bookings for short breaksto Yorkshire.

Alex Roberts, sales andmarketing director for bothcompanies, said: “MichaelPortillo’s Great BritishRailway Journeys series onthe BBC, which aired lastyear, inspired an increase intravellers on UK holidays byrail.

“Tours such as Treyn’sYorkshire by Steam tour,which includes excursionson heritage railways such asthe North Yorkshire MoorsRailway and Keighley &Worth Valley Railway havereally seized the imaginationof travellers. They areseeing these UKexperiences as not

downgrading, but re-discovering the joys of railtravel on home soil.”

Tours include a five-dayYorkshire by Steam 2013tour from £295 per person,based on two sharing. Itincludes four nights’breakfast accommodation in

hotels, four dinners, aguided tour of York, ajourney on the Keighley &Worth Valley Steam Railwayand visits to the BrontëParsonage, The NorthYorkshire Moors SteamRailway and the seasidetown of Whitby. The price is

based on April 4 and 5 andOctober 31 departures andincludes a tour manager.For more information callGreat Rail Journeys on01904-521980 or seewww.greatrail.com or callTreyn on 01904-734940 orsee www.railholidays.com

Tropical festive breaks with Amari from £248AMARI IS offering festive breaks in Thailand from £248 for atwo-night stay at Orchid Pattaya Hotel.

The Christmas package includes a free upgrade from anOcean Deluxe room to Ocean Premier; buffet breakfast; freesoft drinks and snacks from the minibar; welcome drink andfruit; in-room internet access; 20% off spa treatments; a freestay for children under 12; and a four-course dinner, with25% discount if reserved with a stay.

Guests can also opt to book Christmas Eve dinner from£61 per adult and £31 per child.

Alternatively, a three-night Watergate Bangkok ChristmasPackage costs from £250 per room based on two sharing.The price includes a free upgrade from a Deluxe room to aGrand Deluxe room with breakfast; a welcome drink; fruitand flowers in the room; 20% discount on food; 20% off spatreatments; and a Christmas Eve buffet dinner.

Offers are valid on stays between December 22 andDecember 26.

See www.amari.com for more information.EVA Air flies daily from Heathrow to Bangkok, with return

Economy flights from £610 per person. For details call 020-7380 8300 or visit www.evaair.com

BBC series ‘Great British Railway Journeys’ inspires bookings for Treyn breaks

York Minster

P&O Cruises adds nine new short cruises from Southampton for 2013


shortbreaks

SLOVAKIA WILL celebrate 20 years as an independent countrynext year and Regent Holidays is planning to join the festivities.The operator is offering three nights’ breakfast accommodationin the country’s capital, Bratislava, from £270 per person,based on two sharing and including flights to Vienna, with atransfer by rail or bus to Bratislava. For details call 020-7666 1244 or visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk


BUTLINS IS hosting newlive entertainment at itsthree seaside resorts overFebruary half term.

They include Cirque duHilarious - Daredevils andClowns 2013 Tour, featuringdaredevil acts from acrossthe world and comedyroutines at Bognor Regis,Skegness and Mineheadduring every half-termbreak (excluding February 8at Minehead); a SesameStreet Live Show, featuringcharacters including Elmo,Big Bird, Grover and Oscarthe Grouch; CBBC favoritesDick and Dom; the BluesBrothers inspired musical,Blues on the Move; and atraditional Butlins Pantoand Jackson’s, a showcelebrating the talent of theJackson family from theJackson 5 era to the morerecent hits from JanetJackson and the late King ofPop himself.

Family favouritesincluding Mike the Knight,

Angelina Ballerina,Fireman Sam, Messy Time,Storybook Pantomime,Thomas The Tank Engine,Tots Disco and CircusSkills will also be featured.

A three-night weekendbreak in Bognor Regiscosts from £45 per person,based on a March 1, 2013arrival with two adults andtwo children sharing aSilver self-cateringapartment.

Meanwhile, the companyhas launched a range ofearly booking offers tohelp agents securebookings, including ‘firstchild goes free’ places onschool holiday and term-time weekend breaks, upto £200 off term-timemidweek breaks anddeposits from £30 perperson, for bookings madeby January 31. For more information or tobook visitwww.bourneleisuresales.co.ukor call 0845-070 4742.

Alton Towerspackages from

SuperbreakSUPERBREAK’S ALTONTowers packages are nowon sale, with breaks runningfrom March 2013 to coincidewith the opening of thetheme park’s latest ride.

The £18millionrollercoaster will be thepark’s biggest ride to date,with a maximum speed ofapproximately 85km/hr, atrack length of 1,170m and aride time of 165 seconds.

A package from March 16until the end of April costsfrom £269 per family offour, including one night’sbreakfast accommodation atthe three-star North SaffordHotel and a day's familyentrance to the park.For more information call0871-221 4444 or visitwww.superbreak.com/agents

UK luxury is…..our stylish and contemporary boutique lodge collection each with its own outdoor hot tub

Choose from

exclusively from

shortbreaks


Shearings adds range of new UK breaks for 2013SHEARINGS HAS launched a range of short breaks across the UK for next year.

Examples include a five-day Cream Teas & Devon Delights tour, which leads in at £309 andoffers two cream teas, one at Killerton House and the other at Bicton Park Gardens, as well asvisits to Exeter and Regency Sidmouth.

Alternatively, a five-day New Forest, Gardens & Railway trip costs from £329, with highlightsincluding a trip on the steam train through Exbury Gardens, a trip to the Kingston Lacy mansionand a visit to Wimbourne Minster.

A five-day Jane Austen’s Bath itinerary also features in 2013 and leads in at £329, visitingLacock Village, one of the main filming locations for the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.The trip also features a scenic journey through the Cotswolds, including Bourton-on-the-Water. For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearings.com

Butlins promotes new entertainment for half-term & early booking offers

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS...Great Little Breaks marked its first birthday by taking cupcakes to Co-operative Travel in Franche, Worcestershire. Pictured are, from the left: the agency's Gina Scott,Judith Clarke and Charlotte Higgs with Bev Philpott from Great Little Breaks.


NEXT YEAR, Haven is encouraging guests to get active with a new familyfocused Sports and Splash programme available across all 35 of its coastalholiday parks.

Guests can take their first steps into an underwater world with qualifiedinstructors who will demonstrate the basics of snorkelling in the safety of theparks’ pools, where they will learn how to clear their snorkel of water, how toprevent their face mask from misting and more. The activity is suitable forchildren aged seven and over.

Meanwhile, a new Everyone Outdoors concept brings some some non-competitive family fun, offering families the chance to play together and meetnew people whilst taking part in a number of outdoor team games such asrounders, frisbee or ‘kick about’.

At Hafan y Mor, Kiln Park, Perran Sands, Devon Cliffs and Burnham-on-Sea,wannabee Bear Grylls can learn the essentials of wilderness survival on a newBush Craft programme. Ideal for adventurers, guests can learn skills such aspurifying water, building shelters and lighting fires. The activity is suitable forchildren aged seven and over.

The company is also launching new family friendly activity walks for next year,which can be enjoyed either as sedate strolling options or more advancedjogging and cycling routes. Seton Sands’ new track and trail offers two scenicroutes and includes bits of purpose built activity equipment for guests who wantto mix up their journey with some different exercises. The new track at Lakelandholiday park offers a 1.8-mile route that features local history and winds past anold RAF training base, built and operated during the Second World War.

A three-night stay in a Superior two-bedroom self-catering caravan thatsleeps up to six at Blue Dolphin holiday park in Yorkshire costs from £109per unit.

The operator has also launched a number of early booking offers (forbookings made by January 31), including 50% savings on stays of seven nightsor more in spring, May, June, early July and autumn or up to 30% on all otherdates, as well as low deposits from £50 per holiday home.For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0871-230 1919.

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

Where will you bespending Xmas?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] fun with my family at my parents' house. TheBoxing Day quiz I always set usually sparks off the firstyuletide argument!

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] my parents' house with my family. I'll be trying toconvince everyone to play Balderdash!

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] home with family and friends

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] Bodinnick-by-Fowey, Cornwall, eating and drinking verylittle - oh, and telling porkies.

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] Salisbury for part and at home for part. Main emphasiswill be the kids, followed closely by food and drink!

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] the beach in Koh Samui, Thailand

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] home in Twickenham. Preparing for a life-changing 2013

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] Christmas with family in Nottingham. I will bestuffing the bird and going to football!

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected]'m cooking Christmas dinner for 5 people

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected]

Design: Genaro [email protected]

Assistant Layout Design:Nicky [email protected]

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] a native American bird south of the river

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

Crossword:Across: 1. CHRISTMAS, 6. ETHIOPIAN, 7. LUGANO, 8. OSLO, 11. AITO, 12. MUNICH, 15. ACROPOLIS, 17. BOXING DAY. Down: 1. CAROL, 2. SPHINX, 3. MEON, 4. SKI, 5. PANTO, 6. EIGHT, 9. SWISS, 10. DUBLIN, 11. ALAMO, 13. HOLLY, 14. APEX, 16. ROB.

Highlighted Word: CANADA

Travagrams: (top) Hoseasons (bottom) Darwin

Where Am I?: Christmas Island

puzzlesolutions


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

Follow us on Twitter!@TravelBulletin

Haven launches Sports and Splash

shortbreaks

See the Northern Lights with Taber from £670TABER HOLIDAYS is highlighting its Luleå and the Northern Lights tour inSweden.

Leading in at £670 per person, it includes three nights’ breakfastaccommodation in Luleå, with the option of adding an extra night at theTreehotel in nearby Harads.

A number of optional activities are available including a hovercraft pack icetour, day and night snowmobile tours, a Northern Lights hunt by snow shoeand dog sledding. Prices include flights, transfers and accommodation, basedon two sharing.

The tour departs daily (except Saturday) from Heathrow fromJanuary 6 to March 31, 2013.

For more information or to book call 01274-875199 or see

www.taberhols.co.uk

Imag

e: Ic

elan

d To

uris

m


SKYPRIORITY. BECAUSE YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY.

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

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

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

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

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

Pei C

ob

b F

reed

& P

art

ners

– S

RA

Arc

hit

ecte

s


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

All you have to do is relax

ABTA No.Y2507

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

The Egyptian Experts


Travel Bulletin December 14th 2012

Documents

Transcript of Travel Bulletin December 14th 2012