Travel Bulletin 13th April 2012

How the evolution ofholiday parks hasboosted demand

Holiday parks

April 13 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,774 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinbooking incentives &giveaways for agents

puzzle bulletinwin a £50 M&Svoucher in our prizeSu Doku puzzle

central & eastern europeoperators highlightnew tours in latestbrochure launches

9 2011this week

seat-onlya round-up of new flightschedules & promotional fares

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Let them

0208 090 3890 www.dsdagents.com

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SWEET TREAT...Las Vegas celebrated the first anniversary of its direct flight route with Virgin Atlantic from Manchester with a surprise visit to the city’s travelagents recently. The LVCVA team visited agents at Manchester’s Trailfinders, North America Travel, Thompson and The Co-operative Travel retail outlets with Easterbaskets full of Las Vegas goodies such as cookies and Elvis gingerbread men. Pictured marking the anniversary are, from the left: a Las Vegas showgirl; LizzieHerring, LVCVA; Gail Ryan, The Co-operative Travel; and Julie Sykes, Virgin Atlantic hostess. Agents keen to learn more about Las Vegas and receive access toincentives and online training should visit www.virtuosovipclub.co.uk

This Week

3 newsthe latest product launches,deals & discounts

8 notes from normantonfind out what the owner ofSandy Travel has been up tolately

9 agent bulletinbooking incentives &giveaways for agents

11 puzzle bulletinwin a £50 M&S voucher inour prize Su Doku puzzle

12 personality bulletin which sales & marketingdirtector would like to swapplaces with Cameron Diaz’shusband?

13 seat-only a round-up of new flightschedules & promotionalfares

16 holiday parkshow the evolution of holidayparks has boosted demand

20 central & eastern europeoperators highlight newtours in latest brochurelaunches

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Love isn't in the air for British passengersAS AIRLINES test new "social seating" software which enables travellers to browse fellowpassengers' Facebook or LinkedIn profiles in order to choose their ideal neighbour,HolidayExtras.com customers give the concept a big thumbs-down.

A wary 38% of those polled thought it "a completely scary idea", and a further 19% wereconcerned that it could be dangerous. Some 64% of women compared to 51% of men hadsafety worries about the new technology.

For 12%, social seating could provide the dream travel scenario - whether romanticinterest or a way of avoiding "passengers from hell". Men were more taken with the onlinedating possibilities (4%) than women (1%).

The results also revealed that 13% of people would consider opting in to the service ifthey could have total control, with 18% of those polled not bothered either way.

Anthony Clarke Cowell, the company’s associate merchandising director, said: "It'sgreat to see the travel industry using the latest technology and harnessing the power ofsocial media, but judging by these survey results, social seating could be a step too far forBritish travellers."

ATTRACTION WORLD is working towardshaving half of attraction tickets redeemedvia mobile phones within two years.Ticketless entry via a barcode displayedon a mobile phone is very much a realityin modern society and is becoming moreand more popular across the sector.

For example, Siam Park and LoroParque in Tenerife were among the firstattractions to go live with the technologyin December 2011, following a relatively

small investment in front line softwareand hardware.

The operator is now working withother park partners around the world,who have the right technology available tothem or are able to invest in it, tointroduce ticketless entry to moreexcursions and attractions.

The company's group sales &

50% of attraction tickets redeemed via mobile phones within two years

● continues on next page


BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS hasannounced a special bonusfor families booking aholiday with them andtravelling by October 31,where one child goes free(both accommodation andflights) and the second childstays free.

The first child will beentitled to free flights and

accommodation, and thesecond child will have freeaccommodation. The offeris subject to availability, onselected flights only and atselected properties.

Children must be under12 at the time of travel.For details seewww.belleair.co.uk/agents orcall 0845-365 3412.

BAMBOO TRAVEL has introduced a new 11-night trip toChina entitled ‘A Taste of Sichuan’.

The itinerary examines the province's culture,discovering its national parks and monuments andsampling the cuisine.

The holiday commences in the capital of Chengdu,with a visit to the Giant Buddha at Leshan, the largestBuddha statue in the world carved out of stone, followedby a chance to try the street food during a tour of thebackstreets of Chengdu, and join in a tai chi sessionwith the locals before taking part in a cookery class in alocal restaurant.

The final part of the holiday is spent in the north ofSichuan to explore the Jiuzhaigou National Park (NineVillage Valley), famous for its scenery of ice blue lakesand pine forests, and stay overnight in the historic townof Songpan to explore the Mouni Valley and surroundingTibetan villages either on foot or horseback.

The holiday, which can commence any day of theweek, costs from £2,895 per person, based on twosharing and includes flights, 11 nights' breakfastaccommodation, six lunches, all transport, private toursand an English-speaking guide. The tour can also becombined with a visit to Lhasa and the Tibetan Plateau.For more information or to make a booking call 020-7720 9285 or visit www.bambootravel.co.uk

marketing director, TonySeaman, said: “This isanother step in thedirection of a paperlessworld. It’s better for theenvironment, easier forcustomers as they don’thave to carry reams ofpaper on holiday withthem and great for theattraction as they havequicker access tovaluable customer data.

“The main challenge toimplementing this acrossthe board is ensuringsupplier technology issuitably advanced to beable to accept non-printed tickets.

“We think it’s highlyachievable that 50% ofall tickets should beredeemable via thismethod within two years.It’s the way the world ismoving and the travelindustry has to keep up.”For more information visitwww.attractionworld.comor call 0871-700 8888.

New 11-night China trip from Bamboo Travel

Children go free with Belleair Holidays

www.travelbulletin.co.ukApril 13 20124

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FLORIDA FRIENDS...pictured promoting a range of agent giveaways to mark Funway Holidays’ new2013 Preview Florida brochure are, Casey Hurford (left) from Funway with Nichola Parr fromSeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Incentives include the chance to win a place on a megafam in June,Love2Shop vouchers & SeaWorld goody bags for each booking and Disney giveaways. For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

VisitBritainCheck out the DiamondJubilee exhibition atKensington Palace,http://bit.ly/Hzh2i3, thanksto @AboutLondon

TrafalgarIt's a Bird! It's a Plane! It'sa BA plane painted like abird! http://shar.es/rnzb0

cottages4you �Check out our Late Dealssection to save up to 50%on last minute holidaycottages around the UK:http://bit.ly/g5wBV5.

OnlineTravelTraining Complete AlfrescoHolidays training coursebefore 30th June to win a£50 Love2Shop Voucher or6 bottles of wine!http://bit.ly/HifSrj

Thomson �Missed the announce-ment? Thomson Cruises isgoing Platinum! More herehttp://bit.ly/HeWb1L

LEGOLAND Florida � Look who is filling up theLEGO® Wave Pool!http://bit.ly/HoBHPHLEGOLAND® Water Parkopens May 26th!

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

TravelBulletin

● continued from previous page easyJet launches winter schedule EASYJET HAS launched its winter schedule with seats nowavailable throughout October and February half-term as wellas across the festive period on 259 routes from its 11 UKbases. Some 79,000 winter flights are on sale, with more than11.5million seats available for travel. Capacity has been addedto popular sun and city destinations including Tel Aviv andpopular routes such as Istanbul, Sharm el Sheikh, Venice,Nice, Barcelona and Madrid. The carrier is also continuing toexpand its offering to business passengers with routes toCologne, Naples and Milan available on this year’s winterschedule. Meanwhile, the airline has launched flights fromSouthend Airport to the destinations of Amsterdam, Alicante,Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, Ibiza, Malaga and Mallorca, with faresstarting from £23.99. For more information visit www.easyjet.com (Seat-only feature - page 13)


Newsbites● THE ASSOCIATION of Cruise Experts (ACE) has teamed up with technology provider

Traveltek in a partnership which will see the company supporting ACE over the nextthree years. The collaboration gives Traveltek preferred technology supplier statusat all ACE events including the ACE Cruise Convention taking place in May andSeptember.

● TRAVEL AGENT consortium Advantage has changed the fee structure of its managedservice scheme (Advantage Managed Services) and reaffirmed its transparency andindependence in a bid to attract new agents. The AMS joining fee has beensignificantly reduced and the one-off payment method scrapped so that newmembers can carry the sign up costs over a 12-month period. It has also made itsfee structure as transparent as possible so there’s no hidden costs and has givenAMS members full membership status, and with it, part ownership of theorganisation, so ensuring each member maintains control of its own business andwhat it sells.

● HOLIDAY EXTRAS’ online training tutorials have been recognised by the AccreditedTravel Professional Scheme (ATP); a programme that identifies individuals' successwithin the travel sector. Agents who want to further their expertise can now takepart in the operator's training tutorial and obtain five ATP points to add towardstheir Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

● HILTON HHONORS, the loyalty programme for Hilton Worldwide’s ten hotel brands,has launched its latest global promotion, Double Your HHonors, where members canregister to earn double points or double miles for hotel stays completed by June 30.

● CARNIVAL IS offering a nine-night Caribbean cruise for £1,189 per person,departing from New York on May 13. It includes scheduled flights and the cruise ona full board basis. For details see www.carnivalcruise.co.uk or call 0845-351 0556.


H&J marks Vietnam expansion with new Far East brochureFOLLOWING THE introduction of Vietnam Airlines’ direct service from the UK with twoflights a week to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Hayes & Jarvis has earmarkedVietnam as the next big destination for holidaymakers looking for a culture and beach fix.

To cater for expected demand, the operator has boosted its Vietnam programme toinclude more beach resorts, which feature in a new product leaflet that spotlights oneweek packages at six luxury beach holidays, with prices from £1,229 pp at the four-starplus Evason Ana Mandara Resort, Nha Trang.

The leaflet, which has been inserted into the company's Far East brochure, alsospotlights the operator’s ten-day Highlights of Vietnam tour, rated an ideal introductionto the country. The itinerary takes in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh Cityand the Cu Chi Tunnels. Prices start from £1,849 for a May 16 departure based on twosharing and includes Vietnam Airlines flight from Heathrow, bed-and-breakfastaccommodation and transfers.For more information call 0844-686 0064 or visit www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

Discounts for kidsin Antigua &

BarbudaTHE TWIN islanddestination of Antigua andBarbuda is running aseries of special offers forchildren and their familiesthis summer. Discounts areavailable on some of thedestination’s top family-friendly attractions andalso on accommodationand activities. Asexamples, children under12 can take a guided tourthrough Nelson’s DockyardNational Park for free andkids aged between threeand 16 can stay and eat forfree at Antigua’s all-inclusive Jolly BeachResort when booked byMay 15 and sharing withtwo adults.

Other discounts include'two for one' rates atJabberwocky for childrenaged 11 or under whenaccompanied by two fullpaying guests. Theexperience offers a privatecrewed yacht combiningsailing, swimming, andsnorkeling with lunch andan open bar.

At Carlisle Bay childrenup to 15 years old stay forfree for up to threenights. The offer is validfrom April 25 to August24 and October 13 toDecember 20. For more information visitwww.visitantiguabarbuda.co.uk or call the Antiguaand Barbuda TourismAuthority on 01245-707471.

ABERCROMBIE & Kent hasteamed up with Africanhistorian and storyteller,Rob Caskie, to launch twoexclusive tours for this year.Caskie will lead trips toNorthern Sudan; TheKingdom of the BlackPharaohs and South Africa’sfamous Zulu Battlefields ofKwaZulu Natal.

The Battlefields of

KwaZulu Natal tour takesplace from April 7-13 andguests will visit thebattlefield sites ofIsandlwana, Rorke’s Drift tolearn about the missionarypost defended by 139 Britishsoldiers in the face of 4,000Zulus and Spioenkop, whereguests will learn about thecrushed hopes of Britishforces when daybreak

revealed the disastrousposition of the trenches theyhad dug throughout thenight.

The Kingdom of the BlackPharaohs tour in Sudanruns from October 14-21and guests will trace thefootsteps of theoutnumbered Sudanesearmy in their battle againstthe Ethiopian forces.

Highlights include visitingthe battlefields ofMetemma, Jebel Abu Tulayhand Abu Kru; learning aboutNubian culture from historictales; and staying in atented camp in Meroe,overlooking the floatingpyramids of the BlackPharaohs.For more information visitwww.abercrombiekent.co.uk

A&K launches tours to Sudan’s Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs & South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal

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S02 TB1304 News 1_Layout 1 11/04/2012 11:23 Page 5

MAJOR TRAVEL has launched a new agents’ cruise product,offering online searches, comparison and booking facilitiesacross 15 major cruise lines with more to be added.

The site’s comprehensive yet simple format allows agentsto search across a wide option range.

As an example, Mediterranean cruises departing Rome inMay 2013 will return every available cruise from Rome inthat month so agents can discuss all the options with theirclient, comparing ships, cabins, promotions, itineraries andprices.

Pricing on the site is commission included which allowsagents to share the screen with their customers and use theinformation as a discussion and sales tool.For information on how to acquire a log-in agents shouldemail Andrew McKenna at [email protected] more information see www.major4agents.co.uk

TO MARK Prince Harry’s stay at Half Moon, ARockResort in Montego Bay, Jamaica recently, theresort is offering travellers a summer promotionoffering 20% off its 33 four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom staffed villas.

All the villas feature private pools, two golf carts toexplore the resort, as well as the services of a personalcook, butler and housekeeper on hand to cook gourmetmeals, lend advice on the resort and cater to everyneed. The package also includes a private poolsidebarbecue.

The promotion requires a minimum stay of four nightsbetween April 16 and November 16 and includestransfers.For more information visitwww.halfmoon.com/royalsummer

Fleewinter adds 'Walking the Cape' route FLEEWINTER HAS introduced a new ten-night itinerary calledWalking the Cape, which combines a stay in Cape Town withfive days’ guided walking, including a hike to the highest pointof Table Mountain reachable on foot.

The first four days are spent at leisure in Cape Town,staying at ‘Casa’, a luxury apartment in Camps Bay. During thehiking part of the holiday, accommodation is in tented camps(permanent tents supported by solid structures) and lodges.

At the end of the five walking days, two nights will be spentin Franschhoek to discover the local restaurants for which thearea is renowned.

Prices lead in at £990 per person including transfers, fournights’ self-catering in Camps Bay, five guided hikes, fournights’ full-board accommodation on the hike, daily luggagetransfer, entry to Cape Point and Silvermine Nature Reservesand two nights’ self-catering accommodation in Franschhoek.For more information call 020-7112 0019 or visit www.fleewinter.com

Half Moon's royal summer offer

Prince Harry charms the staff at Half Moon,A RockResort, during his tour of Jamaica tomark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Major Travel unveils new cruise portal


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Inside Luxury Travel: Kwazulu Natal

on Monday 16th April at 19:00 on The Travel Channel

Varun Sharma begins his travels of South Africa at theluxurious Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, a newlyrefurbished gem of a property overlooking the IndianOcean and boasting its own lighthouse. In the course ofsome adrenaline-filled shark diving - he gets to meetBlack Tip, Dusky and Tiger Sharks. Varun then embarkson a game walk tracking Black Rhino at a luxury gamereserve and is coaxed into a canoe-trip out on the riveramongst the crocodiles and hippos.

Ones to WatchA pick of the top travel programmes

you don't want to miss...

CYPRUSCYPRUSSpecialist in Tailor-Making Holidays

matched by product knowledge & 40 years experience

To request brochure or booking

call us on 020 8340 7612

Cyplon Supreme

Agents Club

email sales on how to join and what

the benefits are

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

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS launched a newadvertising campaign created by Mercieca in a bid tohighlight the dangers of booking attraction tickets and toursfrom in-resort outlets, reps and concierge desks.

In the new adverts, the company highlights that they willact as the principal for all of the excursions and attraction

tickets they sell and urge agents to pre-book theircustomers’ tickets before they travel so that they can be surethat claims regarding the quality of the excursions supplied,and for personal injury, are covered from a reliable source. For more information visit www.dsdagents.com or call 020-8090 3890.

DoSomethingDifferent highlights risks of booking attractions and tours in resort


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PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS is offering savingson Bermuda breaks at 11 hotels, validfor bookings made between now andMay 31 and available for travel on aselection of dates up to September 30.

Holidays lead in at £1,065 per personthis month at Grotto Bay including asaving of £1,026 per couple with room-only accommodation, BA flights fromGatwick, private transfers and two freenights accommodation.

The operator is also offering sevennights at Fairmont Southampton in adouble room on a room-only basis withflights from Gatwick and privatetransfers from £1,465 per person thismonth. The price includes one freenight and offers a total saving of £908for two.

The company offers connectingflights to Gatwick from Edinburgh,Glasgow, Jersey and Manchester for

£25 return per person including taxes.Other hotels taking part in the

promotion include: CambridgeBeaches, Elbow Beach, FairmontHamilton Princess, Newstead BelmontHills, Reefs, Royal Palms, PompanoBeach Club, Rosedon and RosewoodTucker’s Point Hotel & SpaFor more information visitwww.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480400.

Prestige Holidays offers Bermuda savings of up to £1,026 per couple

INSIGHT VACATIONS has launched its2012/13 India & Nepal programme.

The inaugural programme features 12itineraries in total, including two luxuryGold tours, four Premium escorted toursand six optional extensions covering India(including Rajasthan, Kerala and India’sWildlife), Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Guests have the opportunity to stay inroyal palaces, participate in exclusivecookery demonstrations, experiencevibrant cities and meet colourful artisans,expert chefs and naturalists.

As examples of prices, a ten-day

Splendours of Taj & Tiger (Gold tour)costs from £4,385 per person, based ontwin share, land only and visits Delhi,Agra, Ranthambhore and Jaipur.Departures are available from October 1through to April, 15, 2013.

A ten-day Enchanting Kerala option,which visits Kochi, Thekkady,Kumararkom and Kovalam, leads in at£1,950 per person, based on twin share,land only, with departures available fromAugust 25 until April, 20, 2013.For more information call 020-7468 4335or see www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

Debut India & Nepal programme from Insight Vacations Belgian Grand Prixfor £399

LEGER HOLIDAYS is offeringFormula 1 fans the chanceto experience the BelgianGrand Prix for £399,including travel, bed-and-breakfast accommodationand entry into both the mainevent and precedingqualifying session. For details seewww.legerbreaks.info orcall 0844-504 6250.


by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

jill. [email protected]

ME AND my big mouth - what happened to the sun?As soon as I said how nice it was it went! And Ican’t believe when I pulled back the curtains the

other day it was white all over - we had six inches of snow!Let’s hope that it will make people think of booking tohotter climates!

I think we would be a lot busier if tour operators didn’thave such high prices for school holidays. It is makingfamilies take their children out of school time and riskgetting fined, which sometimes is still cheaper than payingthe school holiday price! If the prices were morereasonable then I think more people would certainly bookand we would all gain and make more money instead ofcutting back all the time – simple!

Well done to ABTA - I was reading that they havelaunched an ABTA-ATOL Administration Scheme whichwill save costs and ease the administrative burden forsmall and medium-sized travel businesses – that is justwhat we want to hear. I think it will probably persuadequite a few smaller businesses who had decided not tohave an ATOL licence that it might now be a viableproposition to have their own ATOL – especially if ABTA aregoing to make it simpler and more cost effective; it thenbecomes a possibility for a lot of the smaller travel agentsand I am sure they will feel safer having ABTA being ableto fast-track the ATOL application process and guide themthrough it, especially if they will not be required to dealdirectly with the CAA - that has got to be a bonus as wellas saving money!

I hope you all had a lovely Easter break – not too manyEaster eggs! And I hope the weather will have stayed fineso that we can get out into the garden and get some sun - Ican dream!

And let’s hope it put everyone in the frame of mind ofwanting to go on holiday so that we are nice and busywhen we get back.

‘Giving up doesn’t mean that you are weak – sometimesit just means you are strong enough to let it go’ and ‘Doingnothing is very hard to do – you never know when you havefinished’.

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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Watch the video clip of Joanna Lumley becomingGod Mother of Viking River Cruises’ newlongship, the Viking Odin. Viking Odin is one offour longships the operator has launchedsimultaneously, to sail along their numerousroutes through Europe – along rivers such as theRhine, Danube and Elbe. View atwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/video-box

● The Slovenian Tourist Board is inviting agents toattend its Slovenian Incoming Workshop, whichtakes place from May 17-19. Registration is 200Euros per person, including Adria Airways flights,admission to the workshop, transfers, dailymeals, social events and more. For details see: www.slovenia.info/siw.

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

2013 Saga cruise dates now bookable through Titan

TITAN HAS introduced its Classic Cruise Collection 2013brochure, featuring three superlative Saga cruise ships sailinga range of itineraries, to its trade partners.

Savings of up to 35% are available, as well as a range ofother special offers, and every cruise includes as standardscheduled flights and door-to-door transfers as part of the VIPHome Departure Service.

‘Don’t Wait’ campaign from RCI promotes value deals ROYAL CARIBBEAN International has launched a newmarketing campaign featuring a selection of fly/cruisesfrom regional airports.

The new ‘Don’t Wait’ campaign includes value dealswith strong, simple pricing from cities includingManchester, Newcastle and Glasgow.

Cruise itineraries featured include seven-night westernMediterranean fly/cruises on Adventure of the Seas from£699 per person, with departures from Manchester,Newcastle or Glasgow and ten-night Canary Islandscruises on Independence of the Seas from £799 perperson in May. The cruise departs Southampton and callsat destinations such as Madeira, Gran Canaria andLanzaroteFor more information on the campaign visitwww.cruisingpower.co.uk


● CRYSTAL CRUISES has launched a newincentive offering a £50 Love2Shopvoucher to agents booking selected 2012Mediterranean voyages between now andApril 30. The incentive is valid for newbookings on all of Crystal Serenity’sMediterranean voyages departing betweenJune 19 and November 28. Agents mustclaim their vouchers by May 15 byemailing Crystal [email protected] Any claimsreceived after this date will not beconsidered. Vouchers will be dispatchedto agents by May 31. The incentive is inaddition to the line's “Sell 3 Sail Free”incentive whereby agents who make threenew bookings on any 2012 Mediterraneandepartures on Serenity can earn a freecruise for themselves and a partner onany departures this year. For details call 020-7287 9040 or visitwww.crystalcruises.co.uk

● AGENTS WHO make a booking on selecteddepartures with Hebridean Island Cruisesthis month have the chance to win a newiPad or iPhone. The gadgets are up forgrabs as the operator rolls out a selectionof special fares on Hebridean Princessand Hebridean’s Royal Crown. Discountsof up to £3,770 per person are beingoffered on selected itineraries taking inthe Highlands and Islands of Scotland,Ireland and river trips on the Rhine. Inaddition to the prize draw offer, the cruiseline is giving all agents who make abooking a Hebridean Princess teddy bear. For more information visitwww.hebridean.co.uk or call 01756-704704.


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Booking incentives

FREE NO.1 TRAVELLER LOUNGE PASSES WITH EVERY BOOKING TO ORLANDO! PRICES FROM £575PP

NEW FLORIDA 2013

PREVIEW BROCHURE

OUT NOW!

Brochure requests: www.trade-gate.co.uk

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TIFFANY'S TRIUMPH...TIPTO has announced TiffanyWoodley (right) of Myrad Travel as the winner of itsIndependent Agent of the Year Award. The award waspresented at the Agent Achievement Awards lastmonth, where Affinion Travel and Garstang Travelwere also both highly commended for their submission ofstrong business models. Pictured making her debutappearance to present the award to Tiffany is 'TIPTOTerri' (TIPTO’s cartooned mascot).


10% deposit terms from RSSCTO KICK-OFF the launch of its new 2012/13 Cruise Atlas,Regent Seven Seas Cruises is halving its standard 20% depositto 10% when clients book a cruise departing this year beforeApril 30. Terms and conditions apply. For more information or to make a booking call 02380-682280.

Mombo Camp switches to 100% renewable energy

FOLLOWING AN investment of US$860,000, WildernessSafaris' Mombo Camp in Botswana has switched from diesel-powered generators to renewable solar energy.

The reduction in expected carbon emissions for the campthis year is 97%, with the property estimating that it expects toemit 6.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalents over the course of 2012compared to 215 tonnes during 2011.For more information visit www.wilderness-safaris.com

TREAT FROM TIPTO....pictured at TIPTO's recent roadshow inAshford is Sally Coker (left) of Sunpex Travel, who won £200worth of shopping vouchers, and Karen Milward from Travel2. Thenext roadshows take place on April 17 in York, April 18 in Chester,April 24 in Plymouth, May 3 in Peterborough, May 17 in Watford,May 23 in Manchester and May 24 in Newcastle. To find out moreor to register to attend visit www.tipto.co.uk

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Figari flight from Corsican Places CORSICAN PLACES is to launch a new flight to Figari in SouthCorsica from Stansted with Titan Airways.

The new service will operate from May 27 to September 30,with afternoon departure times on a Boeing 737-300 aircraft.Pre-allocated seats will be available free of charge andcustomers will have an increased passenger baggage allowanceof 23kg per person.For more information call 0845-330 2345 or visitwww.corsica.co.uk


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

A monster is currently in this famous city.... at the movies

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, April 19th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 30th March is Estelle Pitman, Wayfarers

Travel in Guernsey.

March 30 Solution: A=9 B=5 C=1 D=8

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 060

Travagrams

Across 1. Greece holidays specialist, part of Thomas

Cook (5)3. Ferries operate from this peninsula to Hong

Kong (5)6. Sea, popular with scuba divers (3)8. Family friendly P&O ship (7)9. Paris airport (4)10. Captain and explorer whose centenary was

commemorated earlier this year (5)14. Capital of Liechtenstein (5)15. Part of the Accor group (4)18. First name of actor whose surname sounds

like a bird (7)20. Major travel group (3)21. One of the island destinations featured by

1 Across (5)22. The popular Jumeirah Beach is located

here (5)

Down 1. On reflection, repeat for a movie showing

at a cinema near you (6)2. Capital of Fiji (4)3. Bavaria's capital city (6)4. Airport code for 21 Across (3)5. Brigham Young founded the capital of this

US state (4)7. Carrier with its HQ in Atlanta (5)11. Country, known as "Roof of the World" (5)12. State capital of Alaska (6)13. Historic town in Perugia (6)16. Famous comedian with a statue in

Morecambe (4)17. Popular alpine resort and lake in Slovenia (4)19. Title conferred with a dub (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 22

Crossword

Su DokuWin a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

Num

ber:

060

This operator is well known for its Turkey & North Cyprus breaks

You’ll find a small and a large peak on this island

A Dahlia Any Stinky Solo

castuli

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?


What's your earliest childhood memory?Queuing up outside the workhouse.

Where was your last work-related trip?Naples, Rome & Barcelona onboardCrystal Serenity – amazing!

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why?Is Cameron Diaz’s husband acelebrity?

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you?“Ray?..........oh, God”.

What have your travels taught you?In the grand scheme of things we’reall pretty insignificant.

What is the best advice you recall?Always double check before youleave the lavatory.

If you could have a room full ofany one thing, what would it be?Oxygen.

If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be?“Early Booking Discounts”, “LateBooking Discounts” and “SpecialOffers”.

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career?I’m still waiting...

What's your favourite city and why?Madrid – mojitos....lots of mojitos.

If you were not doing this job,what would you be doing?Applying for this job.

What is your motto in life?What’s the worst that can happen?

What is your favourite mode of travel?A cruise ship of course!

If you had a super power whatwould it be and why?To press ‘pause’ and re-arrangeeverything just the way I would likeit to be.

Ray StewardThe sales & marketing director of The Cruise

Portfolio/Crystal Cruises is partial to mojitos andwould like to trade places with

Cameron Diaz’s husband

What was your nickname at school and why?Stewpot (after a popular Radio 1 DJof the day).

What item do you always take with you when travelling?Pants.

What's your favourite airline and why?The airline featured in the filmAirplane - I’ve travelled on worse!

How do you deal with stress?Alcohol.

What song would you haveplayed at your funeral?‘The Only Way Is Up’ by Yazz.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?Yes, but I may need a job in thefuture!

What special skill do you have?I am incredibly funny.

How do you cope with theadvances in technology?I ask my team!

What’s your favourite movie of all time?The Poseidon Adventure.

What’s your favourite programme on the TV right now?Anything on Sky Sports 1.

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you?Jimmy Krankie.

What do you love about your job?My boss.

Career path● Western & Oriental: Sales

manager - 2008-2011

● Mundi Color Holidays: Generalmanager - 2006-2008

● Caravela Tours: General manager1996-2006

● Meon Travel Group: Commercialmanager from 1995-1996 andoperations manager from 1989-1995

● Lunn Poly: Sales clerk - 1985-1989

“In thegrand scheme

of things we’reall pretty

insignificant”

personalitybulletin




SATA International resumes direct flights to the AzoresSATA INTERNATIONAL has resumed direct flights from the UK to the Azores. Flights depart everySaturday until October 27, with early afternoon departures from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada on SaoMiguel, the largest of the Azorean Islands.

The weekly direct flight from Gatwick to Sao Miguel takes under four hours, with pricesstarting from £311.70 return, including taxes and charges. Weekday flights will also be available,flying from Ponta Delgada to Heathrow via Lisbon.

The airline offers passengers complimentary catering and 20kg checked baggage allowance. For more information call 0844-482 1678 or visit www.sata.pt

AVRO FLIGHTS reports that its newly addeddepartures to Orlando from Newcastle andCardiff for May-September and added capacityfrom Glasgow and Gatwick during peak timeholidays has seen strong demand.

Offering the flexibility of flying from localairports, the Newcastle and Cardiff flightswere launched in November last year and areoffered on 14-night durations, ideal forfly/drive holidays or for independent travellers.

Prices for a 14-night duration from Cardiffleads in at £379 per person in Economy and£579 in a Premium cabin. The flights departCardiff on Mondays and return in the earlyhours of Tuesday mornings.

Prices for a 14-night duration fromNewcastle cost from £399 per person inEconomy and £599 in Premium, departing

Newcastle on Tuesdays and returning early onWednesday mornings.

The airline also reports that increasedcapacity from Glasgow airport, with theaddition of another flight during the schoolsummer holidays, has performed well withhigh demand for peak season flights betweenJune 26 and July 12. Flights operate onTuesdays and Thursdays and will operate onTuesdays from Gatwick between July 17 andAugust 28.

Prices start from £399 per person and thenew service is in addition to the existingThursday and Saturday flights, bringing thetotal number of weekly flights available fromGatwick to three and durations available fromseven-28 nights.For more information call 020-8313 8000.

Emirates announcesnew global brandplatform – “Hello

Tomorrow”EMIRATES IS set to launch anew global brand platformand direction, themed"Hello Tomorrow,” whichpositions the airline as theenabler of globalconnectivity and meaningfulexperiences.

The carrier is embarkingon an integrated marketingcommunications campaignwith a new brand promiseas the company continuesits evolution from a travelbrand to a global lifestylebrand.

The company's vicechairman, Sir MauriceFlanagan, said: "Our newcorporate image and globalmarketing campaign bothunderline the confidence wehave in our existingproducts and services, andthe vision we have for thefuture growth of the airline.“We are not just offering away to connect people frompoint A to point B, we areconnecting people andcultures creating relevantand meaningful experiencesthat are shaping the world."

The carrier will launch aseries of campaignmessages that representthe spirit of tomorrow andwill feature in print, TV anddigital advertising.

THIS SUMMER Air Malta willresume charter flights to sixregional airports in the UK.From May 1, the carrier willoperate weekly charter flightsto Birmingham, Bristol,Cardiff, Exeter, Newcastleand Norwich Airports,running until October 30. Thecharter operations to theseairports will be in addition tothe airline’s regular schedule

services to Heathrow,Gatwick and ManchesterAirports.

Philip Saunders, theairline's chief commercialofficer, said: “These charterflights increase accessibilityto Malta and Gozo fromregional UK airports andtherefore offer travellers theopportunity to reducetravelling time and costs.

"These services weremade possible following thesupport received from therespective airports as well asfrom tour operators andtravel trade partners in thearea and we expect to carryaround 48,000 passengers onthese services."For more information see www.airmalta.com or call 0906-103 0012.

Air Malta to operate charter flights to UK regional airports

seat-only

PEGASUS AIRLINES recently marked its five-year anniversary of flight operations toStansted, having also recently become the airport's fifth largest airline in terms ofnumbers of guests carried. In response to passenger demand, the carrier has alsolaunched double daily flights to Istanbul. For details visit www.flypgs.com

Avro reports demand for regional flying to Orlando

S04 TB1304 Seat Only_Layout 1 11/04/2012 11:46 Page 13

FLYBE HAS launched its summer schedule which offers up to3,080 flights weekly on 145 routes, eight of which are new,including the reintroduction of popular sea and sun destinationssuch as regional France, Portugal, Spain and Croatia.

The carrier has also launched new Manchester huboperations that offer an additional 86 regional point to pointconnections and 12 new flights through Manchester airport. Thenew initiative will benefit in particular passengers travelling toand from Aberdeen, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow,Inverness and the Isle of Man, as well as those flying with itsfranchise partner Loganair from Norwich. Regional highlights

for summer include two new summer routes from Manchesterto Newquay and Knock in Western Ireland, to where a newservice from Leeds Bradford will also start; also Newcastle toBergen (Norway); Newquay to Belfast City and Norwich;between Birmingham and Waterford (Ireland) and fromSouthampton to Tours in France.

Meanwhile, Loganair is offering four new flights out of Norwichto Exeter, the Isle of Man, Manchester and Southampton.

Fares lead in at £19.99 one-way including taxes and chargesfor travel until October 27. For more information see www.flybe.com

ATLASJET IS launching dailyflights from Stansted toTurkey on May 5.

Offering EkonomiPlus andBusiness class services, thenew flights benefit from earlyafternoon departure times,with fares starting from £138return to Istanbul includingtaxes and service charges,£171 return to Antalya and£168 to Ercan in NorthCyprus (via Turkey).

Mark Souter, head ofairline relations at StanstedAirport, said: “Turkey hasdeveloped into one of theleading markets for short-haul travel from the UK andwe’re delighted to welcomedirect flight connections toIstanbul’s major hub atAtaturk International Airportback onto London Stansted’snetwork. This is great newsfor business and leisurepassengers alike and we lookforward to supportingAtlasjet as they prepare tolaunch this new daily servicein May.”

Fares include 30-inch leg-room, complimentary foodand beverages, 20kg luggageallowance and allocatedseats. Passengers canchoose from acomplimentary soft drink,beer or wine served withtheir in-flight meal.

The carrier says that it isinterested in working with thetrade and is inviting agents tocontact them by emailing theUK sales manager, SacitBag, [email protected] For more information visitwww.atlasjet.com

Atlasjet launchesStansted flights

Flybe's summer schedule takes off with 3,080 weekly flights across 145 routes


seat-onlyTHE FIRST Alitalia flight has taken off from London City Airport to Milan. The new service operates twicedaily between the two cities from Monday to Friday, plus a daily flight on Sunday. The new Embraer E-190aircraft offers 100 seats with a two by two configuration with two classes - Ottima (Business Class) andClassica (Economy).

InBrief● VIRGIN ATLANTIC Airways, Virgin America

and Virgin Australia have announced thatall three airlines are fully linking theirfrequent flyer programmes to offer globalbenefits to passengers. The airlines haveagreed to a global partnership that for thefirst time allows each carrier's loyaltyprogramme members to redeem miles orpoints when taking flights on any of thesister-branded airlines across theirrespective route networks.

For details see it www.virgin-atlantic.com

● AIRLINE MEMBERS of the EuropeanRegions Airline Association (ERA) havereported average scheduled passengergrowth of 4.8% in 2011 compared with2.5% in 2010. The ERA says that while thisfigure is encouraging, it must beremembered that the closure of airspacecaused by the volcanic ash disruption inApril 2010 created a distortion which hasresulted in a somewhat inflated 2011growth rate.

● QATAR AIRWAYS has announced furtherexpansion of its network with five newpassenger routes, more cargo servicesand capacity increases to a number ofdestinations served direct from theairline’s Doha hub. Iraq, Tanzania, Serbiaand Myanmar are featured in thepassenger route expansion programme

over a six-month period starting in May.New freighter services will be introducedto Korea, Pakistan, South Africa andOman, while the frequency of passengerflights will be stepped up to destinationsin Europe, Middle East, Africa and AsiaPacific.

For more information visit www.qatarairways.com

● STAR ALLIANCE has announced that itsChief Executive Board (CEB) hasunanimously accepted the membershipapplication of EVA Air.

● GERMANWINGS HAS launched its newsummer flight schedule with several newdestinations. From the Rhine region, theairline now flies to nine new destinationsfrom Baden-Württemberg and has alsolaunched flights to Casablanca from itshub Cologne. Other new destinationsinclude Heathrow, Naples, Jerez de laFrontera, Catania and Rijeka.

For details see www.germanwings.com

● SINGAPORE AIRLINES has launched anew route to Darwin, Australia (operatedby regional full service sister carrier,SilkAir). Departures are available fromManchester and Heathrow via Singaporeon a daily basis.

For details visit www.singaporeair.com


Still the UK Travel Trade’s

No. 1 choice for flights

DEPOSITS – we don’t demand full payment up front *COMMISSION – we’ll reward you for booking with us

PROTECTION – our flights are ATOL bonded

CHOICE – 45 destinations from 10 UK airports

DEDICATION – our trade support team is here to help

In the trade FOR the trade

Reservations & Admin 0871 423 8550 **

** Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras

* For full terms and conditions ring Visit Viewdata oravroagents.co.uk ABTA No.V1021


IT’S NOT that long ago since mosttravel agents tended to regardUK holidays as a secondary

market for them, and many viewedholiday parks as being firmly at theunglamorous end of the market.

The past few years have provenhow misguided the attitude todomestic holidays was, as manyBritons put their foot in the UKholiday water – perhaps throughfinancial necessity – in the

‘staycation’ year of 2009, found that they liked whatthey saw, and came back through choice in subsequent years.

Holiday parks are easily the most popular type ofaccommodation for those holidaying at home, but that baldstatistic hides an important fact: there are as many differenttypes of holiday parks as there are hotels.

A match made in heaven

A holiday park can now mean a small collection of luxurylodges, each with their own private outdoor hot tub, Wiiconsole and four-poster bed, set in hundreds of acres ofwoodland. It can mean somewhere which offers a whole rangeof exciting and adrenalin-packed activities, from quad-biking toarchery. And of course, it can still mean the ever-populartraditional full-facility, full-on park by the seaside.

Knowing the massive range of what is on offer at Britain’sholiday parks, and understanding what today’s holidaymakersare looking for, is the key to being able to match the rightholiday with each customer.

One of the biggest developments in UK holiday parks overrecent years has been the emergence of parks with significantleisure facilities, but which don’t necessarily meet the more in-your-face, full-on entertainment model. These parks offerthings such as golf courses, fishing lakes, climbing, cyclingand so on. They are ideal for families, not least because therange of activities available means there will be something foreveryone to enjoy.

The logical next step up from that, for those seeking a reallyactive time, has been the holiday park-based activity breaks,which offer another level of excitement, and where the park isvery firmly the focus of the whole holiday. These will offer a

huge range of activities, with qualified instructors leading theway – everything from white-water rafting to quad-biking,fencing to archery.

At the other end of the scale, many of those who have comeback to holidaying in Britain are not prepared to compromiseon the quality of their accommodation, and this has led to therise of the luxury lodge type holiday park. Usually in rurallocations, privacy is important to these customers, and hencethis type of accommodation tends to be more spread out.Luxury touches might mean private hot tubs (still the mostasked-for facility), hi-tech entertainment systems, Wi-fi orsimply the provision of traditional board games the family canplay together.

Making the sale

So with such a diverse market, how does the travel agent getto grips with this type of holiday and sell it effectively?

As with any types of holiday, making sure you understandexactly what each customer is looking for is vital. When yousell a holiday park break it’s important to go beyond theaccommodation, and start with the whole experience. As wehave seen, there will be as many different holiday expectationsas there are types of parks. Knowing the product and matchingthe right product and holiday type to each holidaymaker iscrucial, just as it is in every type of holiday you sell.

One of the reasons people take UK breaks is that they don’thave to travel too far, especially for short breaks. Sodestinations that are around two hours’ drive from you will bepopular, and it is worth promoting these in window displays.

Just because someone has decided they don’t want to travelso far does not mean they will want to trade down in terms ofaccommodation, so be prepared to offer the luxury end of themarket – you will find that people are prepared to pay for top-end accommodation, in the UK just as elsewhere. If you have acustomer who likes luxury in one destination, they mightchoose an extra luxury break in the UK.

Be aware that everyone is looking to stretch their budgetfurther these days – and with no flights to pay for, a holidaypark in Britain can be a winner. It is always worth checkingonline for the best offers and deals - your customers willthank you for making the effort.

by ZENA CALDERBANK, head of sales, Hoseasons

How the evolution of holiday

parks has boosted demand


holidayparks

● continues on next page

S05 TB1304 Holiday Parks_Layout 1 11/04/2012 11:52 Page 16


WITH PRICES leading in at £182 for sevennights this spring, Keycamp is promoting arange of deals – both for couples looking for aquiet getaway and for families looking to beentertained.

The company is offering parents withtoddlers a free linen and welcome pack (worthup to £33.50), for children aged five and under,valid on all bookings and all dates excludingJuly and August.

Seven nights at Camping la Chapelle inLanguedoc from May 14 costs from £232 perfamily, including Dover to Calais ferrycrossings. The property sleeps up to twoadults and four children and features air-conditioning and decking.

The company’s national sales manager,Michelle Betley-Jones, said: “Situated in thecentre of Argelès Plage and with views overthe Pyrénées and the local vineyard, CampingLa Chapelle is a relaxing parc within easywalking distance of the nearby sandy beach –ideal for families of all ages and particularlythose with young children.

“Out and about clients can visit the livelyresort of Argelès Plage for a change of pace;

or stick to the many miles of great beachesalong the coastline to make the most of thesun, sea and sand. There are pretty villagesgalore to explore in the area and a day trip toSpain is even an option.”

Meanwhile, seven nights in Royan thissummer half-term costs from £597 per family,including Portsmouth to Caen ferry crossings.The price is for a June 2 departure staying atCamping Atlantique in a Villanova mobilehome, which sleeps up to two adults and fourchildren. Accommodation upgrades areavailable from £70.

Betley-Jones said: “For spectacularcoastlines, pine-flanked sandy beaches andfantastic surfing in Royan, Camping Atlantiqueat La Palmyre is the perfect option. A livelyparc in a beautiful woodland setting there’splenty on-parc to keep holidaymakers of allages entertained, including a swimming pool,playground and even a mini farm. The localarea is ripe for exploration with colourful localmarkets and cycle trails, not to mention thenearby Zoo de la Palmyre.” For more information visitwww.keycamp4agents.co.uk

Keycamp highlights seven-night spring getaways

holidayparks

Finally, there is oneincredibly strong sellingpoint for UK holiday parkswhich is often overlooked.There are 8.6million dogs inBritain, and if they holiday ata UK holiday park, theirfamilies can often take theirpet with them, thus savingthe expense and stress ofkennels. For a nation ofanimal-lovers, that’s apowerful sales message.

Hoseasons offers clusterdays for small groups of sixto eight agents a day in itsGo Active activity breaksholiday parks, experiencingactivities such as quad-biking, fencing, archery,horse-riding, Water Walkerzand more. Agents interestedin arranging a Go ActiveCluster Day can contacttheir regional salesexecutive, or call 0844-847 1222. ✦

● continued from previous page

AL FRESCO Holidays, which features 56 parks acrossFrance, Italy, Spain, Holland, Austria and Croatia, ispromoting a range of breaks with prices leading in at£161.

The price applies to a stay at Les Mediterranees BeachClub in the South of France, staying in a Puccini mobilehome for seven nights for arrivals between April 28 andMay 17. The property features two bedrooms and sleepsup to five people.

Other seven-night examples include a stay at LesAlicourts Resort in Loire, in a Rossini mobile home,which sleeps up to six for £205.10 for arrivals betweenApril 28 and May 17, while a stay in a Bellini mobile homeat Eden in Lake Garda, which sleeps up to six people,leads in at £171 per mobile home, for arrivals betweenApril 29 to May 17.

The operator’s sales manager, John Escott, said: “Ourparcs offer something for everyone from large and livelyto small and friendly. Clients are sure to find a parc that

will suit them and keep kids of all ages happy. We offerparcs in some amazing locations offering superb facilitiesat an affordable price.

“All the parcs are broken down into three categories,‘large and lively’, ‘midsize and sociable’ and ‘small andfriendly’, and all offer essentials such as restaurants,supermarkets, bakeries and a friendly bar for a morningcappuccino or something a little stronger in the evening.All parcs have secure entry to allow only fellowholidaymakers on parc.

“Large and lively parcs are action packed withorganised activities, kids’ clubs, evening shows, sportsand events and are ideal for families with turbo-chargedkids. Midsize and sociable have all a family will need fora great holiday but on a smaller scale and our small andfriendly parcs have a more laid-back holiday scene forfamilies.”For more information call 0871-971 0600 or seewww.thomsonalfresco.co.uk/agent

Al Fresco Holidays highlights seven-night breaks from £161


HAVEN REPORTS that ithas seen a boom inbookings this year, withfigures up 10% comparedto this time last year. Thecompany says that whileDevon and Cornwall arestill top of the summerholiday hit list, this year’sbookings indicate a newtrend in which South Walesand Norfolk are creepingup in popularity.

With bookings up 21% inSouth Wales and 15% inNorfolk, the increase inpopularity for bothdestinations shows thatwhilst the demand fortraditional seaside holidaysin the UK continues togrow, customers arelooking at a wider varietyof destinations within thecountry than ever before.

Agents looking to sell aholiday in South Wales canchoose from three parks in

the region – Kiln Park, KeyWest or Lydstep Beach.Kiln Park is situated on thePembrokeshire coast,which features a TenbyBlue Flag Beach nearbyand the operator has fourparks on the Norfolkcoastline including Caister,Seashore, Wild Duck andHopton.

Allan Lambert, thecompany's head of retailsales, said: “Bookings arelooking very healthy acrossthe board as customershave been takingadvantage of early bookingoffers with South Walesand Norfolk really standingout of the pack. Usually thesouth-west of Englandproves the most populardestination so it’s fantasticto see some lesser known– but equally fantastic –British coastal destinationsdoing so well.”

Prices start from £99 fora four-night break at KilnPark on April 23, based onup to six people sharing aStandard two-bedroomcaravan.

Meanwhile, the companyhas introduced new'Summer House'accommodation -contemporary beach stylecaravans with a centralliving area. Also new are'Retreats' - caravans thathave an internal covereddeck to sit out on. Bothnew styles are available atselected parks across thecompany's portfolio, whileDeluxe Plus has beenadded as a newaccommodation grade. Themodels are the same asthe Deluxe option but arenever older than two yearsand have heating in thebedrooms and bathroom.

The company has also

introduced a new range ofmeals across its holidayparks that are designed toappeal to picky teenagers.The aptly named In-betweeners menu fills thegap between children’schoices and the adultmeals and is designed withteenagers in mind.

The menu featuresgenerously sized dishessuch as an 8oz burger withbacon and cheese, and isalso aimed to be fun withoptions such as ‘Make yourown Wrap’.

Lambert said: “Weunderstand how difficult itis to please teenagers butwe’re confident our new In-betweeners menu will passthe teenage taste test andstill be friendly on parents’wallets!”For more information visitwww.bourneleisuresales.co.ukor call 0871-230 1919.

HAPPINESS IS......a school holiday to remember

£254*per person per break

School holiday breaks from only

*Price based on 2 adults & 2 children sharing a Standard self-catering apartment at Skegness resort on 8 June 2012 for 3 nights. Full terms and conditions apply as stated in the current Butlins brochure. Offers apply to new bookings only & are strictly subject to promotional availability. Butlins Skyline Limited, 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. Registered in England No. 04011665.

To book visitBourneLeisureSales.co.uk

or call 0871 230 1919

To learn more, visit our online training course at ButlinsSpecialist.co.uk

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shire, HP2 4YL. Registered in England No. 04011665.. Butlins Skyline Limitely subject to promotional availability

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holidayparks

Pontins reinvents parks as themed seaside destinations

PONTINS, WHICH features five coastal holiday parks offeringself-catering and half-board options, is at the end of its£25million refurbishment programme, which began just over ayear ago when the company was acquired by the BritanniaHotel Group.

The firm has pledged to reinvent the five parks as themedseaside destinations for families, groups and the over 50’smarket, complete with attractions alongside the famous“bluecoat” entertainers.For more information visit www.pontins.com/agentsor call 0844-576 5959.


New regions including South Wales & Norfolk gain popularity for Haven this summer


WHITECLIFF BAY, the holiday park owned by Away Resorts onthe Isle of Wight, saw a surge in Website hits following the BBC2Wonderland documentary last month called ‘A Very BritishHoliday’, in which it featured extensively. The increase in hits tothe site in one hour alone was up 500% on a normal day's hits.

The operator is offering a family of four a seven-night breakfrom £260 in chalet accommodation in July. Otheraccommodation including luxury holiday homes and standardand serviced camping pitches are also available.

Inspired by the Isle of Wight's resurgence in the festival

scene combined with the British public's love of all things retro,Whitecliff Bay, which is on the southeast side of the island, hasmixed festive and family activities to create a Canvas Villageglamping area and Magic Roundabout chill-out zone. TheMidnight Screen outdoor cinema is also back for this year.

Activities for kids include pool snorkelling, abseilingarchery, kayaking, flying remote control helicopters, waterwalkerz, walking trails, cheerleading school, geocoaching(high-tech treasure hunting game using GPS devices) andarchery.

Whitecliff Bay

Great prices that can’t be missed!

The widest choice of Lodges and Holiday Parks

Brynteg North Wales Brynteg Beaumaris 3 Caravan, Sleeping 6 11th May 2012 – 3 Nights

From £263

Hemsby Beach Holiday ParkNorfolk Daytona Bungalow, Sleeping 6 18th May 2012 – 3 Nights

From £68

Riverside Country Park Northumberland Riverside Superior 2 Caravan, Sleeping 4 8th June 2012 – 3 Nights

From £205

Book Now! Visit: www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call: 0844 847 1144

Example prices are based on accommodation only, (maximum occupancy), apply to new bookings only and are subject to availability. Please note that Hoseasons does not own or operate any of the parks and/or accommodation it features. All activities and/or events are run and operated by the relevant park and not Hoseasons. Note not all activities are available at all Go Active Breaks locations – please check www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents for full activity listing. Booking terms and conditions apply – please see main brochure or website for details. ^Price Match Guarantee – we’ll match the price of any like for like accommodation for the same dates at the same location for the same number of people. Proof of booking price required in all cases. Proof is required within 7 days of making the booking. Price match guarantee rate must be available on the day the booking is made. We reserve the right to withdraw this guarantee at anytime. See brochure for full terms and conditions.

ABTA No. Y0662

See booking conditions for full details of our ABTA

membership

Guarantee

Price Match

^

Welcome Family South Devon Silver Reef Caravan, Sleeping 8 14th May 2012 – 4 Nights

From £123

holidayparks


Whitecliff Bay sees surge in Website hits following BBC2's ‘A Very British Holiday’


by VALENTINA SOKOLOVSKA, account manager, Ukraine International Airlines

UIA is 20 for Ukraine: 2012

central&easterneurope

THIS YEAR is the ideal time to consider exploring thediverse, exciting and multi-cultured destination thatis Ukraine. Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), now

in its 20th year of service, has seen the number of visitorsconsistently increase since visa-free entry was granted tothe European Union.

Sports focus

UEFA president, Michel Platini, expressed confidence thatthe world will witness great football battles on the fields ofUkraine and Poland. Ukraine has significantly improved itsinfrastructure in the last 18 months with four new airports,three new runways and the preparation of four stadiums.

Of course, Ukraine is not just all about football. Visitorscan join a river cruise on the scenic Dnepr; explore a

1,000-year old Lavra monastery and caves; delight in thenational shrine of St Sophia cathedral; and discover themuseums, opera house and revitalised Khreschatik in Kievcentre.

The Ukrainian metro in Kiev is a safe and inexpensiveunderground system linking several great touristattractions. Visitors can finish the day by listening to thepiano at the local café serving delicious food and cakeswith traditional Ukrainian hospitality.

Further afield, Ukraine offers the sites of Yalta on theBlack Sea - the location of the Crimean battlefields, theLivadia and Vorontsovsky palaces, the Swallows Nestcastle and the delights of the Massandra winery. ✦For more information, including travel trade incentives,email [email protected]


S06 TB1304 C&E Europe_Layout 1 11/04/2012 11:57 Page 20


KUONI HAS launched its latest brochure which featuresMediterranean beach and coastal properties. Thedestinations of Croatia, Cyprus, France, Monaco, Greece,Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Turkey fill the 232 pagesand more than 200 four- and five-star hotels are featured.

The company's Europe market manager, Sheena Paton,said: “Our new brochure offers great value and good qualityproperties across Europe for those that want to holidaycloser to home. Flexibility is the key, with low-cost flightoptions, all-inclusive resorts and accommodation-onlyoptions too.”

Highlights include cities that are ideal for short breaks

including Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul and Venice; flightswith easyJet, and Jet2; a range of discounts, free nights,room and meal plan upgrades; romantic honeymoonretreats such as the Grand El Mirador in Tenerife and theCap Rocat and C’an Simoneta in Mallorca; child-friendlyresorts, such as the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills resortin Cyprus, the Martinhal Beach Resort in Sagres, Portugalor La Manga in Spain; and flexible options featuringscheduled flights where available, low cost airlines,accommodation-only deals and car hire.

Prices lead in at £299 per person for three nights at theBarcelo Pueblo Hotel in Menorca.

STB invites agentsto sign up for May

workshopTHE SLOVENIAN TouristBoard is inviting agents toattend its SlovenianIncoming Workshop (SIW),which takes place inSlovenia from May 17-19.

Key providers ofSlovenian tourism andpartners from across theworld will meet inKranjska Gora - a place foractive experiencesthroughout the year andfollowing and the businessworking days, agents canchoose from a selection oftours to take in more ofthe destination.

The SIW registration feeis €200 per person andincludes Adria Airwaysflights, bed-and-breakfastaccommodation at a four-star hotel, admission toSIW, transfers, conferencebrochure and supportingmaterials, daily meals,social events during theshow, online "one2onemeetings” appointmentsystem between suppliersand buyers and a fact-finding tour. Theregistration fee for agentsarranging their own flightsis €100, while agents areadmitted to the event forfree if they attend Friday'sworkshop only, with noaccommodation, shuttleservice, fact-finding tour,etc.

The closing date forregistration is April 25.For details seewww.slovenia.info/siw


Kuoni launches Europe 2012 brochure with Med beach & coastal properties

Sporting events to boost inbound tourism for RussiaRUSSIA IS set to see a 20% increase in visitor arrivals over the next four years fuelled bythe hosting of major sporting events, according to research unveiled at the recent WTMVision Conference in Moscow.

The destination is hosting an array of sporting events over the next six years climaxingwith the FIFA World Cup in 2018. The sporting schedule starts next year with Moscow'shosting of the World Athletic Championships and the Rugby Sevens World Cup. Also in2013 is the Universiade (University games) in Kazan, while 2014 sees Sochi have the WinterOlympics.

The events are anticipated to bring an increased focus to the Russian inbound tourismindustry which will help visitors peak at more than 28.3million - up 20% on this year'sinbound tourists figure of 23.7million.

The Euromonitor International report reveals this increase will be mainly fuelled byEuropean destinations with visitors from the UK increasing by 17% to 250,000.

GREAT RAIL Journeys is highlighting its Trans Siberian Express tour, which takes guestshalfway round the world – from the Russian steppes to the Sea of Japan by rail on the‘Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express’ train.

The tour is inclusive of rail travel from London to Vladivostok, scheduled flights, twonights’ breakfast accommodation, two nights on an overnight sleeper train on journey toMoscow, 12 nights on the Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express with all meals and drinks,three dinners, an excursion programme, and the services of a tour manager. Tour highlightsinclude Warsaw, Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, UlanUde, Ulaanbaatar and Vladivostok.

The 18-day tour departs from St Pancras with prices starting from £9,250 per person,based on two sharing. For more information visit www.greatrail.com

Great Rail Journeys promotes 18-day Trans Siberian Express

Moscow


Attraction World highlights Dubrovnik Panorama tour ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting its Panorama Tour of Dubrovnik, whichoffers guests a bird’s eye view of the Old Town.

The half-day tour takes visitors along cobbled streets to discover thetreasures of Dubrovnik's past and present and is designed to show off thecity’s architectural treasures, artistic intensity and cultural opulence.

The tour is fully commissionable to agents and costs £29 for adults and£15 for children aged two-nine. For more information see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

Sales for Italy, Turkey & Croatia escorted tours up on last year for P&M

ACCORDING TO Page & Moy Travel Group, figures for the first quarter ofthis year reveal that there is a strong appetite for European escortedtours, with some of its most popular tours significantly up on last year’ssales.

Those that stand out as top sellers with a significant increase inbookings include Travelsphere's Top to Toe of Italy tour, which has seenan increase of 132% and the company's Treasures of Turkey tour, whichhas seen an increase of up to 50%. Page & Moy has also seen its Croatiatour up by 42% on last year.

As an example of prices, the eight-day Croatia tour leads in at £959per person with departures from May 30.

The price includes seven night’s accommodation (four nights’ halfboard and three nights’ bed-and-breakfast) at the three-star HotelRovinj, scheduled flights, transfers, the services of a local tourmanager, hotel porterage, welcome drinks and meals arrangement asdetailed in the itinerary.

Excursions include tours of Slovenia, Pula, Labin and Porec and a fishbarbecue boat trip. There is also the option to visit Venice, PlitviceLakes and Brijuni Islands National Park. All prices are per person,based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with privatefacilities. For more information see www.pageandmoy.co.uk or call 0844-567 66 25.

Third operator announced for Polish PassPOLISH PASS, the integrated offer for fans and tourists visiting Poland forEURO 2012, has gained a third operator - System Online from Poznań,which will mean the accommodation offering will be expanded.

Dominik Jung, coordinator of the Polish Pass project, said: "Our partnerscontribute their experience in internet booking and customer service in thehotel sector to the Polish Pass project, and as a result of this our guestswill be provided with a comprehensive and varied accommodation offer, notonly in the host cities and neighbourhood but all over the country."

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What are you superstitious about?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] don't walk under ladders and never keep xmas decorations up after 12th night

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] new shoes on a table

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]'m not superstitious

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] an umbrella indoors

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] gave up supersticions for Lent

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] - one for sorrow two for joy etc

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected]'m happily superstition-free

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] I see only one magpie. I have to say out loud "Hello Mr Magpie, how are you today" when I do though.It's in the song - one for sorrow, two for joy, three for aboy etc

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] over three drains :-(

Design: Genaro [email protected] under ladders

Assistant Layout Design:Nicky [email protected] salt

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] used to be superstitious, now I'm just paranoid

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]


Crossword:Across: 1. MANOS, 3. MACAU, 6. RED, 8. VENTURA, 9. ORLY, 10. SCOTT, 14. VADUZ, 15. IBIS, 18. RUSSELL, 20. TUI,21. CORFU, 22. DUBAI. Down: 1. MIRROR, 2. SUVA, 3. MUNICH, 4. CFU, 5. UTAH, 7. DELTA, 11. TIBET, 12. JUNEAU, 13. ASSISI, 16. ERIC,17. BLED, 19. SIR.

Highlighted Word: MAUI

Travagrams: (Top) Anatolian Sky Holidays (Bottom) St Lucia

Where Am I?: Paris

puzzlesolutions


Audit Bureau ofCirculations -

Business magazines

Ryanair resumes Budapest flights RYANAIR HAS resumed flights to the Hungarian capital with new summer linksintroduced to Budapest Liszt Ferenc International from Birmingham, Bologna,Bristol, Dublin and Stansted.

The carrier estimates that it will deliver around 200,000 annual passengers tothe airport.

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 Limited - Travel Bulletin ispublished weekly and distributed to everyABTA, TTA & GTG agent.

Subscriptions are £105 p.a. for touroperators and others, plus additional ABTA,IATA copies.

Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £155

ISSN: 0956-2419




Travel Bulletin 13th April 2012

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