Travel Bullletin 8th March 2013

Capture your clients' imaginationthrough the use of emotive stories

Czech RepublicMarch 8 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,816 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

newsreport highlights dramaticdifferences in basic and actualtravel costs

hotel bulletina round-up of new propertylaunches & developments

spain & her islandsoperators highlight new tours& package deals

far eastJapan welcomes record numberof visitors

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this week

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SAVOUR THE SUNSHINE OF FLORIDA

BRADENTON AREA / ANNA MARIA ISLAND /

LONGBOAT KEY

7 NIGHTS FROM £715PPFor more details or to book, call

0844 557 0626 or visit

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE...To celebrate the rebrand of Geckos Adventures, the company's team took to the streetsto challenge travel agents to tell them their f***ing epic stories in line with the new brand motto in thebrochure “may your heart be light, your step swift and your stories f***ing epic”. The rickshaws offered agentsa lift in return for epic stories which will be compiled into a short film, available on the operator's website.Pictured getting into the spirit of the adventure are, from the left: Leon Hill and Spencer Neal from GeckosAdventures with Alex Blunt and Midi Tipene from Intrepid My Adventure Store, Islington.

This Week

3www.travelbulletin.co.uk March 8 2013

newsbulletin

3 newsa round-up of the latestindustry news, reports &developments

12 event bulletinimages from CaribbeanAirlines' event in London

18 spain & her islands operators highlight new tours& package deals

14 pix miximages from BRIGHT's first2013 workshop in Chester

23 czech republiccapture your clients'imagination through the use of emotive stories

9 agent bulletinnew agent booking incentivesplus training opportunities

16 personality bulletinwhich senior sales & marketingmanager would like a room fullof Selfridge’s vouchers?

27 far eastJapan welcomes recordnumber of visitors

11 puzzle bulletinyour chance to win a £50Hotel Chocolat voucher byplaying Su Doku

17 hotel bulletina round-up of new propertylaunches & developments

Report highlightsdramaticdifferences inbasic and actualtravel costsA NEW report reveals whatalmost everyone in the traveltrade already knows - thatthe advertised price for travelis rarely, if ever, the price thatpeople pay. But the researchby Teletext Holidays exposesthe sometimes dramaticdifferences. The company'sreport, The True Cost of aHoliday, highlights someexamples of flights arounddouble the original "basic"cost. For instance, the reportnotes that a trip to Alicantebased on a family of four withJet2 has flights at £455.92,but with the addition of taxes,airport charges, web check-in, bags and seatreservations, the totalreaches £944.84. A Malagatrip based on a group ofseven adults with Ryanairsees flights coming in at£1,119.86 but the overall costsoaring to £2,072.38. Asimilar trip using BritishAirways has a basic flightfare of £910 which rises to apotential total cost of£1,548.12, while with easyJetthe flight fare of £1,443.96ends up at £1,650.96. WithFlybe, a trip to Paris for twoadults starts out at a basicfare of £293.31 but ends up at£538.92 when taxes,

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Cover Pictures: Main - Prague,Czech Tourism

Inset - Rezidor, Gran Canaria

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RESEARCH BYwww.sunshine.co.uk hasrevealed that a quarter ofholidaymakers claim tohave bumped into someonethey knew on a previousholiday abroad.

The company carried outthe poll as part of ongoingresearch into the holidayexperiences of peoplearound the UK. Some 1,792adults from around the UKtook part in the study, eachof whom had been onholiday abroad in the pastfive years. Respondentswere asked questionsabout who, if anyone, theyhad seen on previousholidays abroad outside of

their actual holiday group. When asked 'On a

previous holiday abroad,have you ever bumped intosomeone you knewunexpectedly?’, 24% ofthose taking part said‘yes’, while 11% of thesesaid it had happened tothem more than once.

Most respondents (27%)reported bumping into anex-colleague, followed by afriend, relative and ex-partner.

Of those who hadbumped into someone theyknew on holiday in thepast, just 19% said they’dbeen happy about ithappening.

IN ITS latest Long Haul Trend Report,Hayes & Jarvis found that Mauritiusand Mexico were the top-performingdestinations due to theircompetitively-priced four- and five-star all-inclusive resorts.

The report, based on sales over theOctober 2012 to January 2013 period,suggested that an increase in directflights to Cancun has helped boostbusiness for Mexico, which hasexperienced a 47% year-on-yeargrowth over the past two years.

In Mauritius, offers from BA andthe availability of four- and five-starresorts at the same prices as three-star resorts in the Maldives have alsofuelled demand.

The report also revealed thatclients are increasingly pre-disposed

to trade up to five-star all-inclusiveresorts. While this has been well-documented in Mexico over the past24 months, more recently it has beena key factor in the growing popularityof the Dominican Republic, as hasincreased flight capacity. Last year

the operator confirmed a 285%growth in bookings to the region andit has now built on that success witha further increase of 70% over thepast four months, making theDominican Republic the onlyCaribbean entry in the Top 10.

Price Beaters programme from CosmosCOSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its summer 2013 ‘PriceBeaters’ programme with a choice of accommodationincluding private villas with pools in destinations across theMediterranean and Florida.

A choice of accommodation and board options areavailable in Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Parga, Lefkas,Zante, Kefalonia, Skiathos, Bulgaria, Turkey, Mallorca,Gran Canaria and Malta, with prices from £189 perperson. A selection of private villa with pool holidays arealso available in Mallorca, Menorca, Zante, and theAlgarve, with prices from £225 per person. Packages areavailable with airport transfers on an optional basisenabling customers to tailor-make their own travelarrangements or opt to take the company’s pre-bookabletransfer service from £20 per person.

‘Allocation on Arrival’ is a simple way for customers tochoose their holiday at the lowest price possible byselecting a destination and preferred board arrangements.The specific property is then confirmed on arrival in resort.This option is available in Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Zante,Kefalonia, Skiathos and Parga/Lefkas.

Mediterranean holidays are available from four UKairports including Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, andEast Midlands.

Mauritius & Mexico claim top spots in latest Hayes & Jarvis' trend report

Tulum, Mexico

Survey reveals quarter of holidaymakersbump into familiar face on holiday

www.travelbulletin.co.ukMarch 8 20134

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COFFEE MORNING...enjoying a recent coffee & cruise morning at the Oakwell Manor Hotel in Birtstall,West Yorkshire, hosted by Cruise & Maritime Voyages and High Ridings Travel are, from the left: MikePickering, High Ridings, Sandy Murray, Sandy's Travel Escapes and Wayne Beard, Cruise & Maritime.

government charges andduties, fuel surcharge andreserved seat costs areadded. The report says thatwhile some providers addextras into their pricing socustomers are aware of howmuch they can expect to pay,others advertise only thebasic cost. Teletext says:"After all, what looks moreappealing - a £49 holiday toBarcelona or a £249 one?"The report looked at flightsthis coming August.

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Cox & Kings offerssavings of £450 onEthiopia toursCOX & Kings is offeringsavings of up to £450 perperson on selecteddeparture dates of itsescorted Ethiopia tour.

The 11-night EthiopianOdyssey trip leads in at£2,695 per person,including flights, transfers,excursions and full-boardaccommodation, based on aMarch 23 departure.

Other departure datesinclude August 10 at £2,902per person, saving £450;September 14 at £2,727 perperson, saving £275;October 12 at £2,752 perperson, saving £250; andNovember 26 at £2,727 perperson, saving £275.

The offer is based on twoadults travelling togetherand applies to new bookingsmade before March 28.

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MUM'S THE WORD...Superbreak’s sales team has been out onthe road promoting its last minute Mother’s Day Escapes andthe operator has produced a dedicated flyer to help agentswith ideas. Pictured visiting The Co-Operative Travel in LongEaton is the operator's Scott James with the agency's LisaBoulter (left) and Sarah Exton.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@ClassicHols

Luxury Offer: 7 nights B&Bat 5* deluxe PrincesaYaiza, Lanzarote. Award-winning luxury from£809pp dep from 09 Mayhttp://ow.ly/i43Jv

@JurysInnsHotels

Easter rates from £49B&B per room - theperfect excuse for a minibreak! http://ow.ly/i4ek7

@SardinianPlaces

Property of the week: CasaRosa 3 bed house inCannigione on CostaSmeralda. Now from£369pp, saving £180pphttp://goo.gl/AK7wa

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

TravelBulletin

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015ENGLAND

Rugby Travel & Hospitality Limited (RTH) has been appointed by Rugby World Cup Limited to manage the Official Travel Programme for Rugby World Cup 2015, England.

RTH is seeking expressions of interest from organisations wishing to be appointed as an Official Travel Agent.

To register your interest, please visitwww.rth2015.com

Closing date for submissions: Friday 5 April 2013

Only organisations with relevant experience, strong financial standing, and sufficient resources will be appointed.

S02 TB0803 News 1_Layout 1 06/03/2013 10:19

NEILSON HOLIDAYS has teamed up with Mountain Sportsexperts Ellis Brigham, BASI, the British Association ofSnowsport Instructors and Acrobat TV to offer skiers aunique ski holiday experience from April 6-13 to round offthe 2013 season.

The package, which is exclusive to the operator, costs£225 per person and includes a six-day Les Deux Alpes liftpass, six days unlimited testing on the latest, 2014 season

skis, help and advice from the Ellis Brigham & BASI teams,a chance to hit the slopes with British skier Alain Baxter,plus a variety of entertainment at the Neilson Hotel Aalborg.

The holiday is aimed at good skiers who want to ski thelatest kit and try a wide range of products from cruisey pisteskis to high-performance freeride skis. For details see www.neilson.co.uk/ski/skitest2013 or call 0844-879 8155.

Neilson offers skiers chance to test next season's ski kit in Les Deux Alpes


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Newsbites● NEW FOR this year, Shearings has added a 12-day

Classic Cities of Spain option from £999 per person.The tour takes in cities including Madrid, Valencia andBilbao and the price includes 11 nights’ breakfastaccommodation, ten dinners, three excursions andluxury coach travel. Departures are available fromJune to October.For details call 0844-824 6351 or visitwww.shearingsagent.com (Spain feature - page 18)

● AVRO FLIGHTS has launched new flights to Malta andGran Canaria and has increased capacity to Greece andTurkey. New routes for summer include Gatwick toMalta, with one-way prices from £69 per person; andGatwick to Gran Canaria, with one-way prices from £79.Extra flights from Gatwick to both Rhodes and Corfuhave been added to increase capacity, with fares from£69 one-way, while an extra flight has also been addedfrom Gatwick to Skiathos and Volos. New flights to

Turkey include a departure from East Midlands toDalaman, with one-way prices from £79 per person.

● EAST COAST has announced improvements to its serviceto tempt business travellers to use the train instead offlying between Edinburgh and London. Key changesinclude a fare promotion for its Anglo-Scots route, withthe all-inclusive Scottish Executive package discountedto £99 from £229; improvements to its on-board Wi-Fi;changes to its Rewards customer loyalty schemewhereby points will now be provided for business travelagent bookings; and the opportunity to taste some of theproducts from the company's First Class complimentaryfood and drink service.For details see www.eastcoast.co.uk

● JORDAN HAS installed tourism webcams across thecountry following a new partnership between EarthCamand the Jordan Tourism Board. The webcams can beused by visiting www.visitjordan.com/earthcam

Keeping an

i on AppsSANDALS RESORTS has launched

a new free long distance call

programme, available for guests

staying in Concierge and Butler

category rooms, at any of the seven

Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

Available from June 20, guests will

be able to download the company's

app to their smartphones, giving

them free calls back to the UK as

well as local Jamaican landlines.

From March 15, free Wi-Fi will also

be offered to guests in concierge or

higher category rooms.

For details call 020-7590 0210 or

visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk

SOUTH BEACH Café, located at

Haven’s Devon Cliffs holiday park,

has launched its latest initiative, the

I-Waiter. The app gives users the

chance to beat busy bar queues by

scanning a QR code on their table to

select drinks from the menu and

even attach notes specifying how

they would like their drinks served,

such as with ice or a slice of lemon.

Plans are in the pipeline to roll out

the Qikserve app and order system

across all of the Bourne Leisure

brands. Prices at Devon Cliffs start

from £99 for four nights based on

an April 15 or 22 arrival and up to

six people sharing a standard two-

bedroom self-catering caravan.

See www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

VISITORS TO Jerusalem’s Old Citycan now download a free app thatoffers 16 self-guided audio walkingtours, complete with maps, videosand photos. The app takes visitorson a stroll through the Old City’shistoric, religious and culturalsites, as well as down its lesserknown alleyways. Tours include Inthe footsteps of Christian sects;The Herodian Quarter; The JewishQuarter; Via Dolorosa; RampartsWalk, Southern Section; RampartsWalk, Northern Section; andJerusalem in the First and SecondTemple period. There are also fiveaccessible tours that are availablefor visitors with disabilities todownload.See www.jerusalem-oldcity.org.il

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WELCOME TO BRADENTON AREA / ANNA MARIA ISLAND / LONGBOAT KEY

The Bradenton Area is located on the West Coast of Florida, 45 minutes from Tampa and just one and a half hours drive from Orlando. Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are treasured for their authentic Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery, 16 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and wildlife, comprising what many refer to as ‘hidden Florida’.

Bradenton is celebrated for its funky dining and shopping districts, including the Village of The Arts, a vibrant community home to over 35 artists.

7 NIGHTS FROM £715PP!

For more details or to book, call

0844 557 0626 or visit

NEW BROCHURE OUT NOW!

For more details on the Bradenton Area, Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key request our brochure today at:www.trade-gate.co.uk

S02 TB0803 News 1_Layout 1 06/03/2013 10:19

Families offered Taste of Kenya with The Adventure CompanyTHE ADVENTURE Company has launched a new all-inclusivesafari and beach break in Kenya.

The nine-day Taste of Kenya package is suitable for familieswith children aged six and up, and offers the chance to spotbig cats, giraffes, zebras and elephants on game drives plus afew days to relax on Mombasa Beach.

Accommodation is in lodges (five nights at Severin SeaLodge Mombasa and one night at Serena Kilaguni SafariLodge) plus one night at Lion Bluff Lodge Tsavo staying in atreehouse with panoramic views. The package includes flightsfrom the UK, all meals, entrance fees and game drives, plusservices of a local tour leader and guides.

Prices start from £1,991 for children and £2,489 for adults.For more information visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk

Crystal announces 2014 world cruisesCRYSTAL CRUISES has released Crystal Adventures online forits 2014 World Cruise, marking the voyage’s earliest availabilityof guests’ outing options. More than 200 shore excursions arenow described in detail and offered for pre-reservation atwww.crystalcruises.co.uk. Experiences, which range from halfa day to several days each, take guests from Los Angeles toLondon, via the Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa and more. Theannual World Cruise sails for 89 nights on Crystal Serenityfrom January 18, 2014. For details call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Make British Airways and American Airlinesbookings to the USA for your chance to win aplace on the Brand USA Megafam 2013. Sevengreat itineraries to choose from! For details on how to apply, go towww.usamegafam.co.uk

● Win a Fam Trip to Florida’s Beaches, courtesy ofFunway. Trips take place in May/June.For full details, go towww.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway

● Make sure you complete this week’s Crossword,sponsored by Jet2holidays, for the chance to win£50 in Love2Shop vouchers. Just fill in theCrossword on Page 11 of this edition, and thensubmit the mystery location along with yourcontact details via our website onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

Debut resort pass from Blackpool BLACKPOOL HAS launched a new Resort Pass giving visitorsaccess to a wide range of attractions and transport atdiscounted rates.

A number of options are available for visitors including TheOriginal Resort Pass, which gives visitors access to sixattractions – Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nickelodeon Land,The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Experience, The BlackpoolTower Dungeon, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Madame Tussauds;Resort Pass+, which offers access to nine attractions – those inthe Original Resort Pass plus Blackpool Zoo, SandcastleWaterpark and Blackpool Model Village; and the option topurchase The Original Resort Pass and enhance the Blackpoolexperience by adding extra attractions.

All passes enable visitors to add on exclusive discountedthree-day and seven-day saver tickets for BlackpoolTransport’s bus and tram services.

The Original Resort Pass costs £52.50 per person andrepresents a saving of £40, while the Resort Pass+ is £77.50,representing a saving of more than £50 per person.

Passes are valid for seven days and give users one visit toeach attraction.For more information see www.blackpoolresortpass.com orcall 01253-478222.

SUNVIL DISCOVERY has issued its 2013 real Portugal &Madeira brochure, featuring handpicked accommodationand flexible itineraries to the lesser-known areas.

New winter and spring short breaks are offered in theAlentejo region, including the recently-waymarked coastalRota Vicentina walking trail plus a ‘Pousadas of theAlentejo’ fly/drive from the coast in the west to themountain ranges close to the Spanish border in the east.Other new itineraries include ‘A Luxurious Break on theLisbon Coast’ and ‘Madeira: The Pearl of the Atlantic’.

As examples of prices, a seven-night Explore NorthernPortugal by train option takes in Porto, Viana do Casteloand Guimaraes, with prices leading in at £867 per personincluding breakfast accommodation, flights and transfers,while a seven-night Madeira: The pearl of the Atlanticoffers a year-round three-centre itinerary, and leads in at£710 per person including breakfast accommodation,flights, transfers and five days' car hire. Optionalexcursions include visits to tropical gardens and Madeira’sLaurissilva Forest and Natural Park, recognised byUNESCO, and a hillside descent by toboggan. For details call 020-8758 4747 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

Sunvil Discovery launches 2013 realPortugal & Madeira brochure

‘Anchor Fares’ from Fred. OlsenFRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has brought its variousspecial offers under a single banner, entitled ‘AnchorFares’ to replace the existing ‘Specialsaver’ and‘Latesaver’ fares, although fares currently incirculation in these two categories willremain until they expire.

The move is intended to make iteasier for consumers and travel agentsto identify promotional ‘best buys’.For more information seewww.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800-035 5150.

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● USAIRTOURS IS giving agents the chance toearn double incentive points for every DisneyDeluxe Resort booked with them until April 2,for travel until December 31. For details seewww.usairtours.co.uk/doubledisneypoints

● 1ST CLASS holidays has teamed up withRocky Mountaineer to give away Kindle Firesthis month as a booking incentive. Everybooking made through the operator for travelon the Rocky Mountaineer in March (eitherbooked as part of a tailor-made trip orincluded in a tour) will be entered into theprize draw and two winners will be drawn atthe end of the month. Agents should sendtheir booking references [email protected]

● TAILOR MADE Travel has launched a newincentive for agents to win two-week holidaysfor two people to Australia and New Zealand,including flights, four-star accommodationand transport. To be in with a chance ofwinning, agents must book a holiday with theoperator for a minimum spend of £2,000 byJune 30. For the Australia prize this must alsoinclude at least five room nights at any Accor,Quay West or Sebel property in Australiaincluding Kingfisher Bay Resort or FraserIsland. For the New Zealand prize drawagents must also book a holiday for aminimum spend of £2,000 staying at least fiveroom nights in a MCK property. These includethe Copthorne Bay of Islands, the KingsgateDunedin and the Millennium Hotel Rotorua.Both prizes will be drawn on July 1. For details call 0845-456 8050.

● CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays is offering £10 perperson Marks & Spencer vouchers on all familybookings, including children (aged two -11 years)for bookings made by March 31. The operator'scomplimentary UK airport lounge pass offer hasalso been extended to the end of March. For details call 0800-008 7288.

● UNTIL MARCH 13, TIPTO member Hoseasonsis giving agents the chance to win a range ofprizes when they make a booking. Prizesinclude a GHD Cherry Blossom Hair Styler,Molton Brown pampering gift set, Ted BakerDesigner man bag, Joules Premium Wellies, aPandora bracelet, £150 House of Fraser giftcard, Samsung Smart Camera, SamsungGalaxy Note 10.1 Tablet, Cath Kidston traveland day bags and a £150 Odeon gift card.

Agent offerCORAL STRAND Smart Choice Hotel in theSeychelles is offering significant rebates foremployees in the travel industry and their familiesuntil October 31. The three-star property is located on Beau VallonBeach on the island of Mahé and offers 165 rooms,including four junior suites and 21 deluxe rooms,across five floors. Agents and their families/friends can stay at theresort from £58 per person per night includingbreakfast, and will receive a free upgrade to a higherroom category (upon availability) and other benefitsincluding a fruit basket on arrival, free Wi-fi and freeearly check-in or late check-out. A confirmationshowing employment in the travel industry/aviationis necessary as validation when making a reserva-tion. Accompanying family and friends also qualifyfor the rebate.

For more information see www.coralstrand.com

BRUGES BAGGED...Riviera Travel ran a competitionin association with Online Travel Training (OTT)for agents who completed its training module.Pictured is the winner, David Carruthers (right)from Conexo Travel in Haxby, York, who won athree-night Bruges tour for two, including accommo-dation, sightseeing excursions and Eurostar travel.David is pictured with the operator's Joseph Grimley. For details see www.ott.travel

Booking incentives


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TO MARK its 140th anniversary, Holland America Line hasannounced that its MS Rotterdam will be sailing eight newitineraries this autumn, including a new ex-UK tripdeparting from Harwich.

The 1,404 capacity Rotterdam will sail a mixture of ten-,11- and 14-night cruises through Spain, Italy, the FrenchRiviera, the Dalmatian Coast, Turkey, Greece and the HolyLand. Cruise-only prices start from £669 per person, withfly/cruise prices starting from £1,039 per person for aninside stateroom.

Guests can experience a variety of restaurants onboard and take cooking classes in the Culinary Arts

Centre, hone their IT skills in a Windows DigitalWorkshop or visit the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

An example of itineraries includes a 14-night IberianExplorer tour, round-trip from Rotterdam departing onSeptember 14. The cruise calls at A Coruña in Spain, Leixoes(Porto) and Portimao in Portugal, Gibraltar, Malaga and Cádiz,as well as stopping overnight in Lisbon. The cruise then paysone last stop in Vigo before returning to Rotterdam. Prices startfrom £893 cruise-only or £1,363 per person including flights toAthens, transfers and ten nights’ full-board accommodation.For more information or to book visitwww.hollandamerica.co.uk

YOUTRAVEL.COM HAS added newwatersport activities to one of its mostpopular Egypt destinations, the RedSea town of El Gouna.

“Sail La Vie” sailing school is thehost of a range of watersportactivities, including sailing andwindsurfing lessons, and the Red Seadestination is also preparing towelcome the El Gouna WatersportsComplex, due to open in July.

It will house the Sliders Cablepark,which will feature two cable parksand two ‘Easy Rides’ for water skiers,wake boarders and wake skaters,plus a Malibu Beach Club.

Back on dry land, holidaymakerscan opt to try a range of activitiesincluding golf, tennis, horse ridingand camel riding.

Easter rates at the three-star ArenaInn hotel, which offers a range of

facilities and entertainment forfamilies, start from £252 for sevennights, including a kids stay free offer.

Meanwhile, golfing enthusiastscan opt to stay at the five-starSteigenberger Golf Resort located inthe heart of El Gouna’s USPGAapproved championship golf course,with exclusive Easter rates startingfrom £728 for a week, based ondouble occupancy.

Alaska highlights bright outlook for2013 tourism growth from UKA TRAVEL Alaska trade mission to the UK recently highlightedthe opportunities for the trade to capitalise on continuinggrowth in tourism from the UK, writes Paul Scudamore. Thedestination is forecasting increased cruise ship capacity andnew flights. For instance, this year is set for an increase inIcelandair's seasonal direct flights between Reykjavik andAnchorage, with easy connections from Heathrow, Gatwickand Manchester. In addition, Alaska Airlines connects fromcities throughout the US, Canada and Mexico, and in all serves95 destinations including 20 in Alaska. On the cruising front, 31large ships are due to call some 396 times this year with atotal passenger count of almost 66,000. The state's LorenePalmer said: "The expansion of cruise capacity and additionalair service will make 2013 a strong year for Alaska's visitorindustry. Travellers will find that Alaska is more attractive thanever, given the wide variety of large and small ship options,new domestic and international air service, and a host of newtours and attractions." Also on the UK trade mission wererepresentatives from Anchorage, Fairbanks, the NorthernAlaska Tour Company, Valdez & Stan Stephens Cruises andWithin The Wild Adventure Company. Further information at www.travelalaska.com

Youtravel.com highlights Easter deals at El Gouna properties

Steigenberger Golf Resort, El Gouna

Holland America Line marks 140th anniversary with new Mediterranean itineraries


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DANUBE EXPRESS has added a 'Central European' itinerary to itsprogramme. Meandering between Budapest and Prague, thethree-night tour takes in the Imperial cities and palaces ofHungary, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic, andleads in at £2,790 per person based on two sharing a Deluxecompartment. The price includes three nights on the DanubeExpress with all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinksand all scheduled sightseeing, transfers, porterage and theservices of a tour manager throughout.For details call 01462-441400 or visit www.danube-express.com

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:24

puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Formerly Slovak Presporok, city occupying bothbanks of the Danube.

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, March 14th. Solution and new puzzle

will appear next week.

The winner for 22nd February is Eleanor Laidlaw, Thomas

Cook in Edinburgh.

February 22 Solution: A=3 B=7 C=6 D=5

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 102

Travagrams

Where Am I?

Su Doku

The name of this low-cost airline is based on the Spanish word for ‘flight’

This operator is locked away in the Tower of London.

Vein Lug

Hence Winter Jowl

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

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted bythe blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword tosubmit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prizedraw and one lucky winner will win £50 Love2Shop vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday March 14th.

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

Crossword

Num

ber:

102

Sponsored By

Jet2holidays offers flexible and great value package holidays for just £60pp deposit

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Down 1. European airline (3)2. Country bordered by India and China (5)3. City and port in Western Australia (9)4. Bucharest is the capital (7)5. The Water Kingdom, found in 1 Across,

___ Park (4)7. Camelot themed Las Vegas hotel (9)9. Transun and Taber offer holidays to

this region (7) 12. Ben Affleck recently picked up a best

picture Oscar for this movie (4)13. Actor Kevin, currently advertising 4G

on TV (5)16. Winning stroke in tennis (3)

Congratulations to Tanny Stoller, Kenneth Macleod Travel who won the 22nd Februarycrossword prize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:10


eventbulletin

AIRLINE CELEBRATION…AnandAracharya (left) from ImbelTravel celebrates the launch withMalcom Parkinson (middle),Caribbean Airlines, and TrevorPetrie from Newmont Travel

GRACE & TAYLOR…catching up onthe latest tourism developments are,from the left: Peter Grace, MagdalenaGrand ; Victoria Taylor, Trinidad andTobago Tourist Board; and SamDowling, Kuoni Travel catch up on thelatest tourism developments

MASCOT MATES… enjoying the

evening’s events are Edith Aidat

Sarran (left) from Travel Shop

with Soyini Grey of the Trinidad

and Tobago High Commission

INTO THE WILDERNESS…pictured from the left

are: Tom Thorne of Wilderness Explorers; Claire

Anell, LATA/Wilderness Explorers; Gilbert Bastyra,

Mot Mot Travel; and Juanita Collins from

Caribbean Airlines

CARIBBEAN AIRLINES introduced its fully branded Boeing 767–300 on January 17, and to mark theoccasion the carrier recently held a ‘Rum Tasting and Brochure Launch’ evening for UK travel tradepartners. The event was hosted at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission and was supported bythe Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board. Guests had the opportunity to sample the rums of the region,which can be found in the airline’s Business Class lounge at Gatwick’s North Terminal, and in aneffort to familiarise the trade with its product, the carrier showcased its newly designed ProductBrochure, plus its 32-inch Economy Class seating and 74-inch Business Class flatbed product.

ROMANCE RULES… Yvonne Joseph (left) andSandra Dyer (right), both from Stoke NewingtonTravel, are pictured with Afiya Holder, director ofromance at Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board

RUM PALS… Adrienne Tid (left) and Sasha Hawkins(centre), both from Tropical Sky, enjoy the rum cocktailwith Casey Hurford from Let’s Go 2

EUPHORIC BEST… Daron Gonzales (left) from

Euphoria Carnival Ltd, chats with Trudi James from

Best At Travel and Gilbert Bastyra from Mot Mot Travel

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:10


Spanish Thyme Traveller forgesrelationships with agentsTHE SPANISH Thyme Traveller, a boutique operatorworking exclusively in the Valencia area of Spain, is activelylooking to work with travel agents and offer commission.

The company's managing director, Patrick Waller, iskeen to speak to agents who are interested in sellingcultural and foodie tours.

Tours range from The Valencia Paella Project, whichoffers a foodie mini break to The Iberos Tour, a walkingtour that offers insights into history, nature, local foodand wine. For details see www.thespanishthymetraveller.com and tofind out more about working with the operator emailPatrick at [email protected]

GRJ promotes Mediterranean toursGREAT RAIL Journeys is promoting a selection of escortedtours to the Mediterranean islands.

An 11-day Jewels of the Eastern Mediterranean holidayincludes a seven-night cruise on the Norwegian Jade. Theship departs Venice and includes ports of call such asDubrovnik, Piraeus (near Athens), Izmir and Split. Pricesstart from £1,435 per person, including rail travel fromLondon to Venice; three nights’ hotel accommodation withbreakfast in Paris, Venice and Turin; seven nights’accommodation on Norwegian Jade including all meals; onedinner in Turin and all transfers. Departures are available inMay, June, July, September and October. Meanwhile, a 15-day Highlights of the Mediterranean tour travels through thewestern Mediterranean and features an 11-night cruise onthe Azamara Journey, departing on September 4.

The tour takes in the Côte d'Azur on the French Riviera,with ports of call in Monaco and St Tropez, beforecontinuing on to the Italian Riviera and Portofino andPortovenere. The cruise also takes in Tuscany, Livorno,Sorrento, Amalfi and the islands of Sicily and Capri, beforearriving in Rome. Priced from £3,345 per person, the tourincludes First Class rail travel from London; three nights’hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris, Rome andTurin; one dinner in Turin; 11 nights’ accommodation onAzamara Journey including all meals on board; asightseeing tour of Rome and all transfers. For further details see www.greatrail.com

Easter Nile Cruise or Luxor city stay from£949 from Discover Egypt

DISCOVER EGYPT is offering seven-night Nile cruises on thefive-star Viking Princess with flights departing from Gatwick orHeathrow (Heathrow flight supplement of £99 applies) onMarch 25 from £949 per person, with the second persontravelling from £699. An April 1 departure costs from £949 forthe first person and £849 for the second traveller. Pricesinclude flights, full board cruise with drinks and ten guidedexcursions.

Alternatively clients can spend seven nights relaxing by thepool in Luxor, mixed with a spot of sightseeing. Package priceslead in at £799 per person staying at the five-star MaritimJolieVille on Kings Island including flights, transfers andbreakfast accommodation. The property offers threeswimming pools including a pool for adults only plus dailyactivities organised by the animation team, which includes adaily schedule of games, recreation and different sports.

Other facilities include a shopping arcade, beauty salon, 24-hour room service and a shuttle bus and boat to Luxor. FreeWi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.For information and bookings call 0844-880 0461 or seewww.discoveregypt.co.uk

THIS AUTUMN, Kirker Holidays isoffering two music festival holidayswhich it is highlighting to agents tosell.

A seven-night holiday has beenintroduced to coincide with thecompany’s eighth Ischia MusicFestival, organised exclusively for itsclients.

Alongside the six concerts hosted bythe operator, the La Mortelloorchestra will perform another concertgiven as part of its own series,featuring young Italian musicians.Performances take place in theConcert Hall at La Mortella on Ischia.

This year’s musicians include the

Kungsbacka Trio, soprano Sarah-JaneBrandon, pianist Gary Matthewmanand violist Simon Rowland-Jones.

Prices lead in at £1,998 per personbased on an October 14 departure andtwo sharing. It includes BA flightsfrom Gatwick to Naples, seven nights’breakfast accommodation at the four-star San Montano on Ischia, dinner,entrance to all concerts, a half-dayexcursion on Ischia and a privateguided tour of the garden at LaMortella, along with a tour leader.

Alternatively, a six-night holiday forthe Chopin Festival in Mallorca departson October 8. New for this year, thefestival is based in the village of

Banyalbufar on the north coast ofMallorca, close to where Chopin spentone of the best-known periods of hislife with his lover, Baroness Dudevant,better known as George Sand.

Prices for the package start from£1,566 per person based on twosharing and include BA flights fromLondon City to Palma, six nights’breakfast accommodation at the three-star, family-owned Mar i Vent hotel, sixdinners including two in localrestaurants, two lunches, all entrancefees and gratuities, five concerts andthe services of a tour leader.For more information call 020-75932284 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

Six-night music festival from £1,566 including flights from Kirker Holidays

newsbulletin

MARK WARNER is including BA flights on all its routes out of London,as well as free Wi-Fi at all eight of its summer resorts this year.Selected resorts have also undergone renovations, including the SanLucianu Beach Resort in Corsica (pictured), with 50 rooms nowupgraded to deluxe or superior standard. Other upgraded resortsinclude the five-star Levante Beach Resort in Rhodes, which nowoffers a third restaurant, the Greek Taverna. Prices start from £655per person for a May 4 departure and include flights from Heathrow,seven nights’ half-board accommodation and transfers. For more information see www.markwarner.co.uk

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:10


pixmix

KIRKER CATCH-UP...catching up with Kathryn Coles from Kirker are, from the left: Caroline

Jeacock, Amanda Hughes, Francesca De La Cruz and Kerry Cook, all from Deva Travel.

RIVETING READ...Kathryn Coles

(left) of Kirker Holidays offers short

break ideas to Myriad Travel’s Tiffany

Woodley and Anne Mara (right).

WHO YA GONNA CALL...Trying to beat the record

for the maximum number of agents in a box with

Greg Thurston (back) from Cox & Kings are, from

the left: Gillian Wilson, Gaynor Davies, Shaun

Davies and Jennie Walters, all from Chester Travel.

BRIGHT (Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training) held its first workshop of 2013 in Chester at TheQueen's Hotel, where some 36 agents from 12 agencies gathered to strengthen relationships with ten of Bright'smembers including Cox & Kings, Viking River Cruises, Jersey/Preston Travel, Kirker Holidays, Mosaic Holidays, VelosoTours, Attraction World, Hurtigruten, Crystal Cruises and 1st Class Holidays. Bright's next two agent events take place inExeter on March 19 and Bath on March 20. Agents can book a place on the workshops by [email protected]

CHESTER CHUMS... Beccy Doyle and Eddie

Doyle (right) of Pearl King Travel catch up

with Bob Moore of Crystal Cruises.

CANADA COUP...The event's top prizeof a place on a Canada fam, organisedby 1st Class Holidays, was won by TiffanyWoodley of Myriad Travel. Tiffany(right) is pictured receiving her prizefrom the operator's Paula Martin.

LADIES IN BLACK... From the left, Deva Travel’sAmanda Hughes, Kerry Cook, Francesca De LaCruz and Caroline Jeacock are toasted by GaryWedekind (left) from Mosaic Holidays and AlanMeadows of Jersey/Preston Travel.

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:56

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:13


personalitybulletin

Who is your ideal travelling companion? My best friends.

What's your earliest childhood memory?I loved going on holiday as a littlekid. Lots of camping trips to theSouth of France and walking aroundParis stick in my head particularly. Iwas even in a photo shoot for acampsite! However, nowadays I haveto say I prefer my luxury and‘glamping’!

Where was your last work-related trip? I’ve recently visited Doha, Qatar,which is such an exciting destinationat the moment. Amari (one of ONYXHospitality Group’s hotel brands) hasrecently opened Amari Doha, its firstproperty in the Middle East, so it wasgreat to go out there and check itout. I also tried out ‘dune bashing’and crashing through the desertsands in a jeep was such anexhilarating experience. The Souqsare also amazing for discoveringspecial treasures to take home.

If you were a celebrity whowould you choose to be and why? Cameron Diaz. She always seems tobe having so much fun and of courseshe gets to work with handsomeleading men, travel loads and has themoney for designer purchases!

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you? Loyal, fun and sociable.

What have your travels taught you?The world is full of amazing places(luckily in my job I get to see more ofthem than most) and boundaries areonly there if you set them foryourself.

What is the best advice you recall?Be nice to people, you never knowwhen you will see them next.

If you could have a room full of anyone thing, what would it be?Selfridge’s vouchers!

Who has been the biggestinspiration/influence in your career?The team I work with day to day, theyget me through the often busy andlong days.

What's your favourite city and why?It has to be Bangkok. I’ve been luckyenough to visit the city on a fewoccasions and it is such a bustlingplace. Love it. You always leavefeeling so energised, especially after afew spa treatments and exploring themarket stalls.

Sarah AustinThe senior sales & marketing manager of ONYXHospitality Group says she can't travel without

her iPod and would love a room full ofSelfridge's vouchers...

If you were not doing this job, whatwould you be doing?Outside of travel, my other passion isclothes, so I’d definitely be a stylist. Itwould be awesome to get paid to shop!

What is your motto in life?You only live once, which sometimes getsme in trouble …

What is your favourite mode of travel?Flying – I love escaping from emails for afew hours and watching a great film witha G&T or two… bliss.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? Super teleporting power – the ability toclick my fingers and be anywhere. Just asuseful for quickly nipping off to paradiseas getting home at the end of a long day.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?My iPod. I can’t go without music. Myfavourite travelling tunes are Hed Kandi,a few chilled tunes and whatever myfavourite song is at that time.

How do you deal with stress?I don’t often get stressed, but if I do,then I find socialising with friends is thebest way to wind down. A run alwayshelps too, or a spin session.

What special skills do you have?I’m a great digital camera snapper, andam surprisingly good at DIY!

What’s your favourite movie of all time?Flashdance – love it!

What’s your favourite programme onthe TV right now?My guilty pleasure is Hollyoaks andTOWIE!

What do you love about your job?Selling dreams.

Career path● Qualified from University of Leeds in

2001 with a BA Hons in Geography ● Travelled the world in 2001/2002● Marketing executive at Tourism

New South Wales from 2003 – 2009● Started at Hills Balfour in the sales

and marketing team in 2009

”I’ve recentlyvisited Doha, Qatar,

which is such anexciting destination

at the moment”

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:13


KIMPTON’S EPIC Hotel in Miami has increased itsmeeting facilities with the launch of a Mezzanine Levelspace, providing both large and small groups withgreater choice and flexibility at the luxury waterfronthotel, located steps from downtown Miami’s restaurantsand entertainment.

The property's new function area features four meetingrooms which can accommodate smaller groups of 65 to80 guests, or larger gatherings of up to 210 people whencombined to form the hotel’s second ballroom.

There are also additional, supplementary rooms forgroups requiring greater flexibility and privacy. TheMezzanine Level area brings the hotel’s total event spaceto 50,000sq.ft, with capacity for events of up to 400people. With a dedicated team of planning experts, the

hotel's meeting and event facilities also include twoexecutive boardrooms, private cabanas forunconventional breakouts, a ballroom, a pool deckoverlooking Biscayne Bay, 24-hour business centre,audio-visual equipment, 24,000sq.ft of event space on theEPIC lawn for team-building activities, product launchesand large-scale social events; and a marina with yachtcharters available for dinners and excursions.

Guests can also stay connected at all times with in-room personal computers and complimentary Wi-Fi forKimpton InTouch members.

Room rates start from $319 (approximately £205) pernight. To book or for more information visitwww.kimptonhotels.com

SKIATHOS PRINCESS Hotel and Aegean Suites Hotelhave introduced YOGAqua classes to their properties.

YOGAqua, a new trend originating in LA, takestraditional yoga exercises and incorporates stand-uppaddle-boarding in the sea.

Classes will be offered exclusively to guests staying atthe hotels from May to October and are for groups ofbetween five and six people at a rate of €20 per personper 90-minute session.

Sarah Tiefenthaler, a trained yoga instructor andfounder of YOGAqua, will be visiting Skiathos topersonally train the hotels’ instructors.

Thomas Cook Holidays with Style is offering sevennights’ breakfast accommodation at the five-starSkiathos Princess Hotel from £729 per person,departing from Gatwick on July 10. The price offers asaving of £120 person.For more information see www.thomascook.com

Skiathos hotels introduce YOGAquaclasses from May to October

Kimpton's Epic Hotel in Miami adds new meetings & events space

THE MARBELLA Beach Hotel in Corfu is set to open in May following an extensiverenovation. Developments include new family suites (to include ten suites, 25

family rooms, 25 interconnecting rooms and eight panoramic whirlpool rooms), anew World Wide Kids club and a new beach side restaurant. Classic Collection isoffering seven nights at the hotel from £3,706 (was £4,028) for a family of four

sharing a deluxe family garden view room on an all-inclusive basis.Based on an August 8 departure, it includes flights from Gatwick

and private transfers, and offers a saving of £322 whenbooked by March 31.

For more information visitwww.classic-collection.co.uk

hotelbulletin

InBrief● COMO HOTELS and Resorts is opening a new beachside hotel in

Miami in autumn. The 74-room property will be located in anoriginal 1920s building in the historic Art Deco district, offeringdirect access to Miami’s South Beach. Highlights of the propertyinclude a wellness area and seafood restaurant.

● ROTANA IS increasing its portfolio by a total of 410 rooms with itsfirst foray into Istanbul, Turkey. The company will manage thetwo Arjaan by Rotana properties; the Tango Arjaan by Rotana andBurgu Arjaan by Rotana for the Turkish group Dap-Yap. For details see www.rotana.com

● STEIGENBERGER HOTEL Group has expanded its sales representationwith Discover the World Marketing in five countries which are itslargest international markets - the US, Canada, France, UK and Russia. For details see www.discovertheworld.com

S03 TB0803 News 2_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:13


EXPEDIA REPORTS that the Spanish travel market hasexperienced a noticeable shift from offline to online travelbooking channels over the past several years, and theoperator has seen an increase in mobile and tablet use,particularly for last minute holidays. Bookings made throughonline channels are projected to grow 10% in 2013 to reach€4.1billion, and another 9% in 2014 to reach €4.5 billion.

The company's director of market management Spain and

Portugal Carrie Davidson said: "This type of data shows thatit’s becoming increasingly important for travel agencies toconsider building a strong online presence."

According to industry research firm Phocuswright,bookings made through online travel agencies (OTAs) willoutpace that of the traditional offline market as onlinebookings are expected to comprise 35% of Spain’s travelbookings by 2014, up from 30% in 2012.

Collette Worldwide Holidayspromotes new Andalucia tourANDALUCIA IS one of the highlights of the newly launchedRHS Gardens brochure which has been produced inconjunction with Collette Worldwide Holidays.

The brochure offers a choice of ten tours with departuresstarting in May.

Each tour is accompanied by a tour leader, with localguides also being used where appropriate. Somedepartures are also accompanied by an RHS horticulturistsuch as a curator or specialist in their field.

The ‘Andalucia – Land of Castles, Palaces & Gardens'itinerary begins in Granada, then travels to Seville viaCordoba, ending in Malaga.

Horticultural highlights include a guided tour by agarden architect of the Alhambra’s Generalife Gardens; atour of the Gardens of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos;Seville’s Orange Tree Courtyard and tour of the RoyalPalaces of the Alcázar; plus a walk through the AlcazarGardens with a botanist.

Prices start from £1,589 per person for nine days.For more information or to book visitwww.rhsgardenholidays.com, call 0800-804 8710 or [email protected]

12-day ClassicCities tour from

ShearingsNEW FOR this year,Shearings has added a12-day Classic Cities ofSpain option from £999per person.

The tour takes infamous Spanish citiesincluding Madrid,Valencia and Bilbao andthe price includes 11nights’ breakfastaccommodation, tendinners, three excursionsand luxury coach travel.Departures are availablefrom June to October. For more information orto book call 0844-824 6351 or visitwww.shearingsagent.com

INSIGHT VACATIONS hasadded a new Spanishitinerary to its programme.

Beginning in Madrid,highlights of the SpanishGold itinerary include aguided tour of Madrid; avisit to the Prado museum;and a tour of Seville with ahorse and carriage ride.

Prices start from £2,525per person including flights,door-to-door transfers,accommodation, eightbreakfasts, one HighlightDinner, one CelebrationDinner and one three-course dinner. Seewww.insightvacations.com

Spanish Goldaddition fromInsight Vacations

HOTEL ILLA d'or inPollensa, Mallorca is

offering 10% discounts on all newbookings made by April; free car hire plus

a 25-minute spa treatment when guests bookbetween three and six nights; and free car hire, a 50-

minute spa treatment, afternoon tea, a welcome gift, 10% golfdiscount and a visit to Campanet Caves when guests book seven

nights or more. The four-star waterfront property has recently undergonethe first phase of a major refurbishment programme, where 54 out of 120 rooms

received a makeover, with the second phase due for completion by 2014. The hotel offersindoor and outdoor pools, tennis, bike hire, a gym, spa, plus access to a range of watersports.For details see www.hotelillador.com

spain&herislands

Expedia sees shift in last minute booking trends from offline to online channels

S04 TB0803 Spain & Her Islands_Layout 1 06/03/2013 11:25


spain&herislands

SUPERBREAK HAS introduced Seville, the capital ofAndalucía, to its portfolio of European city breakdestinations.

In total ten hotels are featured with a range of starratings available to suit all budgets, and flights can beadded from a range of UK airports.

All packages have full Atol protection and propertiesinclude the four-star Hotel San Gil in the Old Quarter andthe three-star Patio de la Alameda apartments.

Prices lead in at £57 per person per night including

breakfast at Hotel San Gill, while a two-night flightinclusive package from Gatwick with easyJet costs from£318 per person, based on a May departure and twosharing.

At the Patio de la Alameda apartments prices startfrom £29 on a room-only basis while a two-night flightinclusive package from Gatwick with easyJet costs from£266 per person, also based on a May departure.For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agentsor call 0871-221 4444.

THE VISIT Benidorm Tourist Board is promoting sports andleisure tourism as major themes for this year, tying in withtheir advertising campaign ‘There’s more to the resort thanyou think’.

New brochures and two new videos on the touristboard’s website showcase the variety of sports tourism andwatersports on offer in and around the resort.

As well as its three Blue Flag beaches, the island offersscuba diving opportunities, walking, cycling, hiking andclimbing in the Sierra Helada nature reserve and themountains around Benidorm, as well as quad biking, jeepsafaris, jet skis, kayaking and paragliding.For more information see www.en.visitbenidorm.es

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa promotesnew conference & event facilities

THE RECENTLY opened Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa,situated on the northwest coast of Mallorca, is launching arange of incentives and attractions to guests.

With many facilities designed specifically for themeetings and conference market, the hotel is targeting themonths of April, October and November with a range of all-inclusive amenities and services for parties occupying tenrooms or more.

Room rates start from €185 per night, includingbreakfast and taxes and, as part of arrangements forconference organisers and agents, the hotel is offering aselection of complimentary benefits. These include airporttransfers, welcome drinks on arrival, VIP room amenities,up to two upgrades to the next room category whensecuring groups of 20 attendees or more, onecomplimentary room for every 40 secured rooms andaccess to the hotel’s Talise Spa.

The hotel can also organise a selection of outdooractivities. Sporting options include golf, mountain biking,kayaking and sailing, while cultural attractions offer visitsto local museums and art galleries, food markets and ahistoric train journey from Soller to the island’s capital ofPalma.

The hotel features 120 rooms and suites, tworestaurants, a fine wine cellar, four bars, two swimmingpools, a spa and gym. For bookings or more information [email protected]

Visit Benidorm Tourist Boardpromotes sports & leisure tourism

Superbreak adds Seville to portfolio with a choice of ten properties

Scuba diving in Benidorm

THE REZIDOR Hotel Group hasopened its first hotel on the Spanishisland of Gran Canaria, the RadissonBlu Resort, featuring 189 rooms.

The property offers a waterfrontlocation on the island’s southwestern coast, near the village ofArguineguín, and each of therooms and suites feature privatebalconies with panoramic views ofthe Atlantic Ocean.

The hotel’s outdoor leisure areafeatures a garden, gift shop,boutique, supermarket, salt andfreshwater swimming pools, and akids’ club. The resort also offersvisitors a range of indoor and

outdoor sports facilities, includingtennis courts, a paddleball court,beach tennis/volleyball court, fullservice spa and fitness centre.

Meanwhile, the company hasopened its first hotel in Corsica –the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa,Ajaccio Bay.

The 170-room property islocated near Porticcio on AgostaBeach and all rooms and suitesoffer furnished terraces.

Other facilities include an outdoorpool with kids pool and a wellnessarea which includes an indoor pool,hot tub, gym, sauna, hammam,relaxing area and a spa.

Radisson Blu Resort

Rezidor Hotel Group opens the Radisson Blu Resort in Gran Canaria


TENNIS FANS can follow in the footsteps of their heroesby heading to Spain’s La Manga Club this spring.

Andy Murray, runner-up at Australian Open, andworld number 45 Robson have both used the venue’sfive-star facilities.

Players of all ages and abilities can brush up onvarious aspects of their game at the property’s 28-courttennis academy with a wide range of different coursesbeing staged over the coming months.

Making a return to this year’s schedule are ‘WeekendWarrior’ breaks, with three-night packages startingfrom €289 per person. It includes ten hours’ groupcoaching and match play, complimentary access to thefitness centre, indoor pool, saunas and steam rooms,plus free shuttle bus transfers around the resort.

Children from as young as three up to the age of 19can also benefit from the expertise of the resort’s teamof coaches with a series of regular five-day coursesbeing held at the junior academy over Easter and Mayhalf-term.

Accommodation and daily court hire or tuition costsfrom €94 per night for four-night stays until the end ofMarch, based on two sharing. The price also includesbreakfast and access to the spa’s fitness centre, indoorpool, saunas and steam rooms.

Discounts for tennis groups are also available, witheight or more people being offered the chance to taketheir own pro and receive 60 hours’ court time overseven days from €278 per person per week, staying atthe four-star Las Lomas Village. For more information or to book [email protected] or visitwww.lamangaclub.com

WITH SALES to theBalearic islandsfinishing 11% up in2012, ClassicCollection Holidayshas boosted itsproduct in the regionwith the addition of11 new propertiesacross Mallorca,Menorca and Ibizafor this summer.

In Menorcafamilies are wellcatered for with theintroduction of theJardin de Menorca inPlaya Son Bou, andin Cala Santandria,the Prinsotel La Caleta. Also new isthe optional all-inclusive Hotel PlayaAzul and the adult-only Hotel SolMenorca, where seven-night pricesstart from £602 per person in May.Spurred on by the success of theadult-only properties Ushaia Ibiza

Beach Hotel and Ushaia Tower inPlaya d’en Bossa, the operator hasintroduced an additional adult-onlyproperty, the Hotel Garbi Ibiza &Spa, which has recently beenrenovated to appeal to those whoenjoy Ibiza’s club, music, fashion

and DJ scene.Three-night breaksduring the peakseason start from£645 per person.

In Mallorca, twohotels make theirdebut for theoperator; the adult-only Iberostar SuiteHotel Jardin del Soland, appealing to asimilar crowd, themodern BeachHouse, which is partof the Melia Groups'new Calvia BeachResort Lifestyleconcept.

Entertainment is a feature of thehotel with a resident DJ plusweekend bar and pool parties. Sevennights in June cost from £883 perperson. For details call 0800-008 7288 orvisit www.classic-collection.co.uk

Classic Collection boosts Balearic offerings with property additions for summerMallorca Beach House

La Manga serves up spring treats fortennis fans with new training courses


spain&herislands

MALLORCA FARMHOUSES is highlighting a stay at Es Comellarwhich sleeps ten and is located between Calonge and Calad’Or. The family-friendly villa is close to the marina, sandycoves and beaches, and features five bedrooms, fourbathrooms and views of the countryside. Prices in May lead inat £1,303 per week, which equates to £130 per person.For details see www.mallorca.co.uk or call 0845-800 8080.

A NEW luxury six-night golf deal from Hotel Son Julia in Palmaincludes tee-times at three of the island’s top courses - Son Gual,Alcanada and Son Muntaner. The package includes six nights’breakfast accommodation in a room or suite; three dinners, sixdays’ car rental; one green fee per person at each of the threecourses; two 30-minute shoulder and neck massages; and anhour’s body massage. Prices lead in at €1,435 for a superior room,based on two sharing. For details see www.sonjulia.com

Es Comellar

Son Gual


ADVERTORIAL

PortAventura Resort has become the perfect holiday destination for the whole family with 2 parks and 4 hotels. Join us in an unforgettable world tour to visit exotic places like China, Polynesia, Far West, México, Mediterrània or SésamoAventura, the home of Sesame Street characters in Europe! The resort is located by the Mediterranean Sea and just 1 hour away from Barcelona.

PortAventura Park: Lots of fun in 6 fabulous worldsMore than 30 rides that will delight both adrenaline junkies and small children. Adventurers will find a great challenge in Shambhala a 3 European records rollercoaster: tallest, deepest drop and fastest in his category. Visitors can also try Dragon Khan with his 8 loops of vertigo, or vertigo, Hurakan Condor a free fall of 100 meters or Furius Baco, PortAventura fastest rollercoaster. And for children, PortAventura Park has great nice rides, shows, and games, and even a family area designed for them: SésamoAventura!PortAventura theaters are always open! Enjoy every day up to 15 unforgettable shows, from cancan dancing, acrobats or even tribal dances of Polynesia. The streets of the park are full of music and life, with dozens of actors performing and dancing.

PortAventura Hotels: enjoy a unique themed experiencein our 4 hotels****Staying in one of the fabulous 4-star themed hotels is a unique experience. You can choose PortAventura Hotel set in the Mediterranean, or the Hotel El Paso with a Mexican appealing, the tropical experience of Hotel Caribe or the surprising Hotel Gold River, a trip back in time to join the American Wild West. The hotel guests can benefit from many exclusive extras including unlimited entrance to PortAventura Park and special shows in each hotel.

Shows

PortAventura Resort

Hotel Caribe****

www.portaventura.com + 34 977 77 90 90

NEW Costa Caribe Aquatic Park: Discover the fantastic brand new water experience!Discover the new Costa Caribe Aquatic Park, with new attractions, new pools and new excitement for the whole family. The new pools will host lots of family interactive elements like a great pirate ship full of Sesame Street characters. The greatest attractions of the new area will include a Multi Bump Slide, a Racer Slide with 6 tracks where friends will compete with each other... but the star of this new park will be the highest free fall slide of Europe, 31 meters high!

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It is said that Prague has a special enchantment which enlightens and inspires. It was known by such stellar artists as Mozart and Kafka, who created their best works here, but also by brilliant scientists, such as Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler and Albert Einstein, who found answers to the greatest mysteries of our universe in the Prague night sky. Spend some time roaming the legend-filled streets of the Old Town at dusk, or gaze up at the Astronomical Clock, which has been measuring celestial time for more than 600 years. Perhaps you, too, will leave Prague with the feeling that you have a magically changed view of the world in which we live.

www.czechtourism.com

how close to the stars you would be in Prague, you could already be touching them.

Prague

If you only knew

CzT2013_TrBulletin_297x210_clock.indd 1 26.02.13 16:17


CZECHTOURISM'S plans for 2013 represent a turning point. Besides completely changing our destination brand and visual style for the first time in ten years, we

are also adjusting our entire strategy in presenting the CzechRepublic to the UK market.

Surveys reveal that the Czech Republic has the potential tobecome the leader in introductory tourism in Central Europe.Our aim is to fuel this potential by promoting the CzechRepublic as a country where it is possible to discover andexperience unlimited stories. For example, we believe it'simportant to present traditional tourism products such asspas, cultural heritage and activity holidays in a new way byconnecting specific tourist destinations with their uniquestories, using experiences that famous figures such as Goethe,Einstein, Apollinaire and Peter the Great had in the country toattract visitors from abroad.

We also want to motivate tourists, not only to discoverstories by such celebrated personalities, but also to experiencetheir own stories, and if possible to do so time and time againacross various regions of the country. I believe stories are agreat springboard for emotional connection and therefore aresomething that people can relate to. By reliving stories, we canalso target more sophisticated visitors who are interested inlearning a bit more than just taking in the obvious tourist sites.

Ten jewels of Prague

More than a thousand years of continual building has leftarchitectural gems in Prague which are admired by millions ofvisitors every year. You can encourage your clients to discoverthe unique story of a place sometimes called the “Mother ofCities” or the “Golden City” and learn about its greatest jewels.Clients might also be interested in uncovering the mystery ofthe Gothic monasteries, experience classical music concerts inone of the Baroque cathedrals or relax in the beautifulRenaissance gardens. When they visit Prague, your clients willsoon understand why people have been saying that it is one ofthe most beautiful historical cities in the world.

King of the castle

Prague Castle can be described as the symbol of the Czechlands, a seat of ancient rulers and, according to the GuinnessBook of Records, the largest medieval castle in the world. Thisis a place which your clients must not fail to visit. Clients canend a tour in one of the beautiful Palace Gardens, where theywill all of a sudden find themselves amongst a wonderful

world of plants, fountains andpavilions. Another alternative isto spend a day on Petín, wherethe local lookout tower offers abeautiful view over the manytowers, roofs and chimneys ofthe whole city.

Are clients interested ingetting to know the beatingheart of Prague? Then suggestthey set out for the Old TownSquare, which is one of themost beautiful in the world. Not far from here, they can thenmake their way into the heart of the fascinating Jewish Ghettoshrouded in legend. For old romantics, there is no moreromantic place than Charles Bridge at sunrise. On the otherhand, sunset is at its most beautiful viewed from the rampartsof the mythical Vyšehrad, a place where you can immerseyourself in the very beginnings of Czech nationhood.

Prague is not only a city of historical monuments, but also acity for life, where culture is an integral part. Clients can enjoya unique experience in the form of a classical music concert inthe Municipal House, one of the most beautiful Art Nouveaubuildings in the world, or set out on the trail of Mozart to theEstates Theatre, where this musical genius presented thepremiere of his opera Don Giovanni in person.

A spring in your step

The Czech Republic's capital city hosts a range of excitingEaster events. As an example, the annual Easter markets,which take place on three of Prague’s most famous squares –Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the Square of theRepublic, are the most popular of them all. This year themarkets will take place from March 16 through to April 17offering traditional Czech products such as beautifullydecorated Easter eggs, laces, wooden toys and puppets, plusvarious Easter decorations. Every day the markets are visitedby 10,000 people looking for unique shopping opportunities aswell as entertaining cultural programmes. The scheduleincludes music and dance performances, demonstrations ofold arts and crafts, decorating Easter eggs and makingcandles. Younger visitors will have lots of fun in the children’sworkshop in Old Town Square where they can try some of thecrafts themselves. ✦For more information visit www.czechtourism.com

A land of stories: Capture your clients'imagination through the use of emotive stories


czechrepublic

by Katarina Hobbs, director UK & Ireland, CzechTourism

S05 TB0803 Czech Republic_Layout 1 06/03/2013 12:05

THREE TRAVELCounsellors have returnedfrom a fam trip to Praguehosted by the CzechTourism board who helpedthem to experience manyof the city's attractions.

The three-night tripwas a chance for thegroup to gain an insightinto the city which hasbecome a popular choicefor couples booking aweekend away. JanetWhittingham, businessdevelopment manager atTravel Counsellors, said:“Familiarisation tours area very important elementto our training andcontinued development.We are privileged to beable to offer a largenumber every year tobuild on the knowledge ofour Travel Counsellorsand to ensure they’re upto date with what’s hotand what’s not in differentlocations.”

Travel CounsellorDorian Hayes, said:“Visiting Prague was agreat opportunity to brushup my knowledge on thecity. It was a great benefitto be hosted by CzechTourism as we were ableto experience a fewhidden gems. Forexample, we were ledthrough what appeared tobe a hole in the wallbetween a few shops. Wewouldn’t have known itwas there if we hadn’tbeen shown by our guide.It lead to a courtyardwhich offered abreathtaking view ofPrague. As well as visitingthe well-known touristattractions, we were takento an amazingmicrobrewery whichhelped to give us asnapshot of the culture.Overall, the trip wasinvaluable because I nowhave so many tips to passon to my customers.”

EXODUS HAS introduced two new trips forthis year that discover hidden areas of theCzech Republic.

A ten-day Hidden gems of Slovakia and theCzech Republic introduces the region ofsouthern Moravia in the Czech Republic,which is famed for its wine growing andhome to vast wine cellars, including someused by the Templar Knights.

The trip also includes visits to the Tatraand Pieniny Mountains that form some of theregion's natural borders, as well as beinghome to natural phenomena such as theDobsinska Ice Cave and the Dunajec Gorge.

The first departure is on June 14 andprices start from £1,179 per person includingflights, accommodation and most meals.

An eight-day Cycle Moravia and Slovakiaitinerary is based around three towns.Mikulov is a small town dominated by thecastle and square at its heart. The cyclingaround Mikulov goes through the Palava hills,past ruined castles and through smallvillages, offering views of the surroundingcountryside. From Breclav, cyclists will visit

the 800-year old wine cellars of the TemplarKnights and see chateaux before arriving atthe final stop, the royal town of Skalica inSlovakia, a springboard for river and canal-side riding, as well as routes up into thesouthern White Carpathian mountains all theway to the Golden Valley.

The first departure is on May 25 and priceslead in at £999 including flights,accommodation and most meals.

The operator's product manager TomWilkinson said: "Prague is a wonderful citybut there’s a great deal more to the CzechRepublic, you just need to know where tolook. Fortunately we do and judging by theuptake on our tours there our clients agree.We’ve introduced both cycling and discoverytours to regions not well known in the UK butthat have a huge amount to offer, withUNESCO heritage sites, Templar wine cellarsand much more. It is also one of the fewgreat value destinations left that is right onour doorstep.”To book visit www.exodustravels.com, or call 0845-863 9601.

Travel Counsellorsreturn from Prague fam tour


czechrepublic

INNTRAVEL HAS introduced a new cycling break in Southern Moravia.The six-night Wine Trails of Southern Moravia gives guests the opportunity to discover castles

and chateaux while following easy cycling routes. Highlights include exploring Znojmo, one of the oldest towns in Europe; taking a trail through

the wooded Podyji National Park; following sections of the Prague-Vienna Greenways cycle trackas it meanders along the Thaya Valley; and following the wine trail tothe wine-producing villages of Klentnice and Pavlov.

Prices lead in at £698 per person based ontwo sharing, including six nights' breakfastaccommodation, three dinners, luggagetransfers between hotels, route notes, mapsand cycle hire. Flights are excluded.For more information or to book call 01653-617000 or see www.inntravel.co.uk

Two new 'hidden gem' itineraries from Exodus

New cycling option in Southern Moravia from Inntravel

Cyclists in Southern Moravia

RYANAIR HAS announced that it will launch a new route to Ostrava (the carrier’s 180thdestination and second Czech airport after Brno) from Stansted in June, with six weekly flights. For more information or to book see www.ryanair.com

Ryanair announces new Ostrava route


This beautiful area forms the westernmost part of the Czechrepublic, renowned especially for traditional spas and curativetreatments, people travel from all over the world to visit and enjoythe climate and hospitality of the region.

A vast array of 3-5 Star hotels and guest houses are availablewith professional Spa, beauty and wellness treatments. A varietyof sightseeing opportunities exists including museums, galleries,theatres, medieval castles, Chateaux as well as the chance tosee international events such as film and music festivals.

Find out more about what our wonderfulregion has to offer:

www.livingland.eu

KarlovyVaryRegion

One day is not enough


KIRKER IS highlighting aselection of short breakoffers to Prague.

Three nights for the priceof two is available at the five-star Paris, one of Prague’straditional hotels, whichfeatures a restaurant, loungeand Café de Paris. Otherfacilities include a wellnesscentre with Jacuzzi, sauna,solarium and Ayurvedictreatments. Prices lead in at

£579 per person, based ontwo sharing, offering asaving of up to £130 perperson. The price includesflights, private transfers,breakfast accommodation,guide notes to restaurants,museums and sightseeing,plus the services of aconcierge, and is valid year-round.

Three nights for the priceof two is also available at the

five-star deluxe Aria, aboutique hotel in the city’sMala Strana district.

The Aria offers acelebration of music witheach floor dedicated toeither jazz, opera, classicalor contemporary music, andeach room dedicated to aparticular artist orcomposer.

Prices lead in at £598 perperson, based on two

sharing, offering a saving of£102 per person. Flights,private transfers, breakfastaccommodation, guide notesto restaurants, museumsand sightseeing and theservices of a concierge arealso included in the price,and the offer is valid forarrivals up to March 28. For more information or tobook call 020-7593 2283 orsee www.kirkerholidays.com

UTRACKS REPORTS increased demand for active breaks to the Czech Republic and says that thedestination is gradually building infrastructure for cyclists, most notably with the Greenways cycleproject that links Prague with Vienna. The operator is promoting two self-guided cycling itinerariesthat both begin in Prague. As an example, an eight-day itinerary from Prague to Vienna leads in at£850 per person including accommodation, most meals, equipment rental, luggage transfers betweenhotels (where applicable) and maps with images. Flights are excluded but can be booked on request.For details call 0845-241 7599 or visit www.utracks.com


REGENT HOLIDAYS is highlighting Prague’s annual Easter markets, which take place from March 16 to April 7, with the largest in the Old TownSquare and Wenceslas Square. The operator suggests a three-night stay at the five-star, family-run Hotel Pariz, a short walk from WenceslasSquare. Prices start from £385 per person based on two adults sharing for three nights including flights from Heathrow and breakfast. For details see www.regentholidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.

Superbreak offersnew Prague hotel optionA NEW hotel in Prague isnow available for agents tobook through Superbreak.The four-star GrandMajestic Plaza hotel islocated in the city’s OldTown and is five minutes’walk from the main OldTown Square.

The hotel can booked asan accommodation-onlyoption or as part of a flightinclusive short break withfull Atol protection.

Leisure facilities includea sauna, hot tub andtreatment rooms and priceslead in at £27.50 per personper night includingbreakfast. For more information or to book seewww.superbreak.com/agentsor call 0871-221 4444.

Kirker Holidays promotes selection of new offers on short breaks to Prague

czechrepublic



ACCORDING TO statistics published bythe Japan National TourismOrganisation (JNTO), the number ofvisitors to Japan last year wasapproximately 8.37million.

This latest figure is 34.6% higherthan the 6.22m visitors recorded in2011, the year the earthquake andtsunami occurred, and 2.8% down on2010’s visitor numbers, meaningoverall visitor numbers have almostrecovered to pre-earthquake levels.

The number of UK visitors to thedestination also saw an increase, with174,200 Brits visiting Japan last year,an increase of 24.3% on 2011.

This year the destination is aiming toattract ten million visitors under thetheme ‘from recovery to full flight’,

which will include associationstrengthening between diplomaticmissions abroad and Japanese-affiliated companies; building a foreigntourism framework that is not easilyaffected by external factors bypromoting individual travel anddiversifying tourism sources; andestablishing a Japan tourism brand.

Kylie Clark, head of PR andmarketing at the tourism organisation,said: “We are optimistic that 2013 willbe a very good year for tourism toJapan from the UK. Already this year,Japan has become significantlycheaper thanks to the devaluation ofthe yen. Many who had beenconsidering trips to Japan had put it offbecause of the 2011 earthquake, but

now that has passed we hope that therealisation that Japan is now cheaperthan it has been in years will motivatepeople to book.

“Exciting developments like KLMlaunching Europe’s first route toKyushu Island in Japan on April 3 andHugh Jackman’s latest Wolverine film,to be released in July, are expected toincrease interest in Japan.”

The Japanese yen has dropped from120 yen to the pound in January tocurrently 145 yen. For a guide to whatthings cost in Japan, see the AffordableJapan section of the organisation’swebsite. Japan specialist agenttraining is also free via the site.For further details visitwww.seejapan.co.uk

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THE ADVENTURE Company has added a new 13-day Breathtaking Burma tour to its 2013 Family Adventures programme, with the firstdeparture scheduled to depart during the Easter break. The itinerary explores the temples at Bagan, the floating villages at Inle Lake andthe rural mountain villages of Kalaw. There is also an opportunity to visit local children on an orphanage visit.

Japan welcomes record number of visitors & issues new campaign theme

TRAFALGAR HASintroduced a new ten-daySplendours of Japanitinerary, which leads in at£3,999 per person, withdepartures from nextmonth.

Beginning in Tokyo,guests visit the Tsukiji FishMarket, before embarkingon a full day of sightseeingincluding the ImperialPalace and the Meiji Shrine,a Shinto shrine set in atree-lined avenue where

cherry blossoms bloom inspringtime. Guests partakein a cooking class and learnto make sushi in the Ginzadistrict. Other highlights inTokyo include visits to theAsakusa Kannon Templeand Buddhist temple calledSensoji. Guests also have afull day to explore the cityat their own pace andchoose from excursions tothe town of Kamakura tovisit the giant bronze GreatBuddha “Daibutsu”. From

Tokyo guests travel on to theFive Lakes Districtdominated by Mt Fuji andascend to the fifth station ofMount Fuji to take in theviews from 2,300m. Theitinerary then takes gueststo Katsunuma, famous forthe production of wine inJapan, before continuing toLake Suwa to experience thehot spring baths.

Other highlights of thetour include a visit toMatsumoto Castle, a journey

through the Japanese Alpsto the hill town of Takayama,a walking tour of Takayama,a visit to the mountainvillage of Shirakawago inGashozukuri and a visit toKanazawa, a historic castletown which featurespreserved samurai districts.

Prices include flights, VIPdoor-to-door transfers andaccommodation. For more information or tobook see www.trafalgar.comor call 0800-533 5617.

Trafalgar introduces new ten-day Splendours of Japan itinerary from £3,999

S06 TB0803 Far East_Layout 1 06/03/2013 11:58

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering a range of day trips inthe Far East.

Examples of Bangkok tours include a half-day Cityand Temples Tour which costs £15 for adults and £13 forchildren (aged two to 11). The tour explores some of themost famous temples in the city including Wat Pho, theTemple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Benchmamabophit(the Marble Temple) and Wat Traimit (Temple of theGolden Buddha).

A River by Night Dinner Cruise leads in at £38 peradult and £32 per child, and offers guests theopportunity to see the sights of Bangkok whileexperiencing a variety of Thai dishes.

Meanwhile, a Bridge on the River Kwai tour costs £44per person and travels to the River Kwai and its famousbridge via a train journey on the death railway,culminating in a long-tail boat ride along the river.

Alternatively, Singapore offers a Night Out inChinatown with a Trishaw tour, which costs £45 foradults and £27 for children. The tour travels to the YongGallery then moves on to a restaurant, followed by atrishaw ride.

More tours are available in Phuket, Chiang Mai,Samui, Hong Kong and China.

Fam trip offer from trade-friendly Travel IndochinaSPECIALIST OPERATOR Travel Indochina has decided to sell through the trade - andconsequently has become the latest member of TIPTO. The operator has also launched a newonline training module for independent agents through www.tipto.co.uk that focuses on itsexpertise in running escorted tours for small groups of no more than 16 on bespoke itinerariesacross Indochina. Destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China, Tibet, Japan,Burma and India. Membership of TIPTO means the operator will also participate in regionalworkshops and have a presence at key industry conferences to promote its 2013/14 Small GroupJourneys and Asia River Cruising brochures.

The operator has also teamed up with Vietnam Airlines to offer agents the chance to win aplace on a fam trip to Vietnam in June. The trip will feature flights from Gatwick and includeSaigon, Hanoi, Hoi An and Halong Bay. The incentive is based on new bookings made throughthe operator's UK office (01865-268944 or email [email protected]) from eitherbrochure by the end of this month, with more bookings increasing the chances of being picked.Additional entries can be earned on bookings for any Vietnam Airlines international flight. Thewinners will be picked next month. The operator's website is at www.travelindochina.co.uk

Lady Sarojin


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TOURISM MALAYSIA has announced that it has joined AITO in orderto raise awareness of Malaysia’s tourism products among theassociation’s operator and agent members. The tourism board is thefirst to join the association from the Southeast Asia region. Picturedmarking the new partnership is Derek Moore (left), chairman ofAITO and Abdul Rauf Abu Hassan, director of Tourism Malaysia.

New tours fromPeregrineAdventuresPEREGRINE ADVENTUREShas introduced new toursand itineraries for this yearto open up remotedestinations that, until now,have not been easilyaccessible to travellers.

As examples, a 12-daySecrets of Sri Lanka optionleads in at £1,076 perperson and highlightsinclude a jungle explorationin Kitulgala and a cycle ridearound Trincomalle, whichtakes in key monuments ofSri Lankan history. Itdeparts from Colombo onApril 21 and May 5.

Alternatively, a 15-dayRemote Burma Trek costsfrom £2,415 and highlightsinclude the chance to getup at pre-dawn to see thecolours on the icemountains to the north asthe sun rises and a visit toRangoon’s Shwedagonpagoda. The tour departson March 18 and April 15.For more information seewww.peregrineadventures.com

THAILAND’S LUXURY boutique resort, The Sarojin, is offering a newly-revised trip to the SimilansIslands, which makes for an ideal honeymoon experience for newlyweds. The full day excursion,on the 38ft Lady Sarojin private yacht, gives couples the chance to dive and snorkel at theirleisure, followed by a freshly-prepared gourmet lunch at a remote bay.

Back on land, couples have the option to request a private dining setting, both in and out of theresort; or opt to travel by luxury boat, traditional longtail boat, private car or by elephant toenhance their dining experience. Land excursions are available throughout the year, while theLady Sarojin can be chartered any time between November 1 and April 30, 2014. Prices at theproperty lead in at approximately £220, based on a stay in a luxury garden residence, plus all-dayà la carte breakfast and sparkling wine for two people. For details see www.sarojin.com

Thailand's The Sarojin offers new yacht excursion

Attraction World offers Far Eastern day trips for agents to promote


AMARI IS OFFERING guests the chance to experience Thailand’sannual Songkran Festival which is held from April 13-15.

The festival traditionally marks the beginning of the solarNew Year, with locals and tourists gathering in the streetsacross the country to soak each other with water. The watersymbolically represents a fresh start to the New Year.

It is also a time for family reunions, with National FamilyDay taking place on April 14.

The Amari Boulevard Bangkok is offering a two-nightSongkran Splash Package, with prices starting from THB 7,700(approximately £169), based on two people sharing. The offeris valid from April 10-17 and includes a stay in a superior roomon a bed-and-breakfast basis, a late check-out (18:00), a Thaidinner, festival activities and approximately £11 worth of icecream credit.

Alternatively, a three-night stay at Amari Emerald Cove KohChang costs approximately £353 based on two people sharing.The offer is valid from April 10-17 and includes a three-nightstay in a superior room on a bed-and-breakfast basis,transfers, complimentary water pistols, 15% discount on foodand drink and spa treatments.

Destinology is offering a seven-night multi-centre tripstaying at both hotels from £1,039 per person, based on twosharing. The price includes flights with Emirates and is validfor travel between April 4 and May 31.For more information visit www.amari.com andwww.destinology.co.uk

Join in Thailand’s Songkran festivities withAmari this April

fareastINTREPID TRAVEL has launched a new range of short breaks inJapan, Thailand and the US which introduce travellers toauthentic, regional cuisine. Itineraries include a five-day ‘TokyoBite-Size Break’ which includes a hands-on cooking class,sushi-tasting at the Tsukiji Fish Market, and multi-courseregional dinners, with a lead-in price of £995 includingaccommodation, transport, most meals and a tour leader. Afive-day ‘Thailand Bite-Sized Break’ includes a cooking class ata homestay in Chiang Mai and visits to Bangkok’s floatingmarkets, from £420 including accommodation, transport, mostmeals and a tour leader. To launch its new range of ‘Bite-SizedBreaks’, the company is offering 10% off trips departing beforeMay 31 for bookings made by March 15. Agents should quotethe promotional code 9508 at the time of booking. For details see www.intrepidtravel.com/food


We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What’s the first thingyou notice about people?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] eyes

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] teeth

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] friendly smile or otherwise

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] begins with their gender

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] shoes or not!

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] smile

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected]. Their rich variety - especially the sounds andexpressions that come from them - are unique in theanimal kingdom

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] they can have a laugh

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] shoes

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] they're a weirdo or not

Senior Designer: Genaro [email protected] sound of their voice & nose hairs

Assistant Designer: Nicky [email protected]’s height

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] smile

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

Travagrams: (top) Vueling (bottom) Jewel in the crown

Where Am I?: Bratislava

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

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Qatar Airways to serve sixth gateway in China this monthQATAR AIRWAYS is launching scheduled flights to Chengdu, its sixthgateway in China, from March 19.

The Doha-based airline will operate three times weekly flights to thecapital of Sichuan Province in Southwest China from Doha, taking its totalweekly frequency across the country to 41 non-stop services across sixcities.

The airline's CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “Chengdu is another key city in avibrant economy looking for more air capacity and we are delighted toannounce our operations this month. We are confident of buoyant businesson the route, appealing to vital traffic flows linking South America, Africa,Europe and the Middle East to an important gateway in China – in fact oursixth gateway of Chengdu.

“China is a market that is growing in stature and we will continue to tapinto opportunities to expand our presence and provide more choice for ourpassengers travelling on business or leisure to and from China."

The airline will operate an Airbus A330 in a two-class configuration of 24seats in Business and 236 in Economy on the Doha – Chengdu route. Dohadepartures will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, whiledepartures from Chengdu will take place on Wednesdays, Fridays andSundays.

VIETNAM HAS experienced a 117% year-on-year growth in the long-haul holidaymarket, according to the first Hayes & Jarvis Trend Report of 2013. The reportreveals that the destination has spearheaded a growth in demand for tailor-made,multi-centre trips, with one of the big successes being the option to explore Hoi Anand Hué on a private cycling tour. Prices start from £2,100 per person and includeseven nights’ breakfast accommodation, flights from London and transfers.

Regent Holidays offers more options to Cambodia & BurmaREGENT HOLIDAYS has launched a new programme for 2013 which includesthree new itineraries in Southeast Asia.

A 14-day Responsible Travel Cambodia tour costs from £2,165 per person andoffers travellers the chance to experience historic sites and see the work doneby some of the charitable organisations working in the country.

In Myanmar, Burma, a new 17-day Explore Myanmar group tour takes inpopular sites as well as offering a chance to travel overland and sample ruralvillage life. Prices lead in at £3,780 per person for a November 1 departure.

For clients who prefer a more private itinerary, a 12-day Highlights ofMyanmar tour offers an introduction to the destination and leads in at £1,595,excluding flights.For more information or to book see www.regentholidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.


Travel Bullletin 8th March 2013

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