Travel Bulletin 27th July 2012

NEW SERVICE – FLY FROM LONDON GATWICK TO LAS VEGAS!

LAS VEGAS PRICES FROM £635PP

WIN up to £50 worth

of Love2Shop vouchers!

More details overleaf

Club World

World Traveller

World Traveller Plus

British Airways

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July 27 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,789 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

TB2707 2012 Two Page Wrap_TB Front Cover.qxd 25/07/2012 14:23 Page 1

FLY FROM YOUR LOCAL AIRPORT!

So whether that be from Jersey, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen, British Airways has it covered!

If your clients are looking for the experience of a lifetime, send them to the fabulous Las Vegas with British Airways! Their NEW service from London Gatwick to Las Vegas, commencing on 29 October 2012 and in addition to their existing daily service from London Heathrow, means that your clients now have more choice

For more details or to book call now on 0844 557 0626 or visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

PLUS for your chance to WIN up to £50 Love2Shop vouchers, simply visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk and correctly the answer the following questions:

1. What is the URL to Funway’s

dedicated agent website?

a) www.funway4agents.co.uk

b) www.funway-agents.co.uk

c) www.gofunway.co.uk

2. How many days a week does the

new British Airways London Gatwick

to Las Vegas service operate?

a) 2 days b) 3 days c) 4 days

3. In which State is Las Vegas situated?

a) California b) Nevada c) Arizona

BRITISH AIRWAYS NEW SERVICE

EXPERIENCE A LITTLE BIT MORE OF LAS VEGAS WITH FUNWAY HOLIDAYS!

With so much to see and do in Las Vegas, where do you start? To help your clients get started Funway Holidays offer a variety of tours and attractions to suit everyone!

MGM GRAND

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5 NIGHTS FROM £945PP INCLUDES A SAVING OF 20%!

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INCLUDES 1 NIGHT FREE!SO, WITH PRICES FROM ONLY £635 PER PERSON, DON’T GAMBLE ON GETTING BETTER WITH ANYONE ELSE – BOOK

WITH FUNWAY TODAY!

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TB2707 2012 Two Page Wrap_TB Front Cover.qxd 25/07/2012 14:23 Page 2

How agents can capitaliseon the emerging trend of

twin-centre breaks

Baltic States

July 27 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,789 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinagent accommodationdiscounts on MS Deutschlandfrom Dertour

event bulletinthe event in pictures from the17th Yorkshire ABTA Ball inHuddersfield

W-AITO-Go!a frontline travel agent givesher views on current hot topics

egypt

a round-up of the latest news from operators, hoteliers & airlines

10

9

15

13

this week

TB2707 2012 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 25/07/2012 14:09 Page 1

S01 TB2707 Start_Layout 1 25/07/2012 11:11 Page 2

FLORIDA FUN...pictured on Funway's recent fam to Florida ('home' of Spiderman), having secured their place by winningthe operator's booking incentive, are, from the left: Eleanor Claire Lloyd, Bath Travel; Lucy Elizabeth Collins, BowenTravel Group; Amy Ann Richardson, Co-operative Travel; Melissa Anne Hughes, Barrhead Travel; Clare Louise Pennington,Co-operative Travel; Lisa Catherine James, Funway Holidays; Shelley Louise McCabe, Travel Angels; Vanessa PatriciaSpiers, Off Broadway Travel; Maria Louise Burnham, Funway Holidays; and Chloe Ann Sturrock, Waltham Abbey Travel.

This Week

3 newsthe latest launches, productdevelopments & trends

9agent bulletinagent accommodationdiscounts on MSDeutschland from Dertour

10 W-AITO-Go! hot topics being debatedfrom a frontline travel agent

11puzzle bulletinyou could win a £50 HotelChocolat voucher by playingSu Doku!

12Skål the world overinformation on Skål'supcoming World Congressin Korea

13 event bulletinthe news in pictures fromthe Yorkshire ABTA Ball

15egypta round-up of the latestnews from operators,hoteliers & airlines

21short breakspopular short breakgetaways for summer andbeyond

24baltic stateshow agents can capitalise onthe emerging trend of twin-centre breaks

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newsbulletin

THE TRAVEL Foundation and ABTA haverevealed the findings of their HolidayShopping Report, to coincide with thismonth’s Make Holidays Greener Monthwww.makeholidaysgreener.org.uk

The findings revealed that Britishholidaymakers could be unwittingly spendingup to 10% of their total holiday budget onsouvenirs that are illegal, environmentally-damaging or destined to end up in the bin.

With more than two-thirds of Britsadmitting that shopping is one of thehighlights of their holiday, the organisationsare urging holidaymakers to choose souvenirsthat support destination communities, reducenegative impacts on the environment and arelikely to be enjoyed and valued for longerwhen they return home.

The report shows there is confusionamongst holidaymakers about what is illegalto bring home and what is acceptable.

Despite an international ban dating back to1990, 11% of respondents thought they couldbring ivory home from holiday from some orall countries and didn’t know whether or notthey would be breaking the law. Some mayalso be at risk of prosecution when theyreturn to the UK through importing souvenirsmade from endangered species.

Almost a third (29%) of respondentsthought that bringing religious artefacts(objects with a special religious significance)home from holiday was illegal from some or

all countries, although that’s not the case(holidaymakers are however advised toestablish whether these have been sourcedlegally). A further 17% thought the same ofwood carvings and 16% believed that ofleather goods.

Another 15% admitted they had brought ashell or piece of coral back with them yet athird of these are either no longer displayedor had been binned. Coral and certain shellsrequire a permit to be brought into the UKand marine ecosystems are threatened whenthey are harvested for souvenirs.

The most popular holiday souvenir is the t-shirt, with more than half of all Britsadmitting that they’ve brought one back fromtheir travels, yet only a handful ofholidaymakers admit to ever wearing themwhen they get back home. Along with fakedesigner goods, they top the list of holidaymemorabilia most likely to be discarded orbinned within weeks of return.

The report also revealed that almost three-quarters of people (74%) enjoy buying fromlocal markets, craftspeople and small shopsto experience culture and buy unusualsouvenirs. This in turn benefits the localeconomy.

Local produce, such as olive oil,ornaments, handicrafts and jewellery are themost well-used post-holiday souvenirs,

● continues on next page

Buy souvenirs which benefit you, local people & environment say industry bodies

27southern africarenewed demand seesairlines, hoteliers &operators expandprogrammes


ONE STOP Touring Shop (1STS), which consists of theescorted touring brands, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar andContiki Holidays, has launched all three of its US andCanada brochures with new destinations, new itinerariesand new experiences.

The company reports that sales for this region this yearare so far up 30% over last year and to reflect thisincreased demand, all three brands have expanded theirportfolios.

For 2013, Insight Vacations launches seven newitineraries in its ultra-luxury Gold programme. Theseinclude Southern Tastes and Dixie Tunes, Capitals ofEastern Canada and Icons of the American Heartland. Thenew brochure also features 37 new and upgraded hotelsand new destinations including Chicago, Nashville, CapeCod and the Mississippi River, on the paddle-wheeled“American Queen” steamboat on an eight-day river cruise.

Trafalgar’s 2013 brochure features ten new trips acrossthe US, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. Theprogramme also features ten new local Be My Guest

dining experiences, six new Unique Insights and 17 newLocal Specialities, as well as a new concept – Taste ofAmerica – which currently features two itinerariesdesigned for foodies. Other new itineraries include theFlorida Sunshine Trail, Aloha Hawaii and Canyon CountryJamboree, with the latter two representing an expansionof the operator's family-friendly portfolio.

The major development in Contiki Holidays’ US &Canada 2013 programme is the launch of Coachella, anannual music and arts festival. The new six-nightCoachella trip begins in Los Angeles before taking in thePalm Springs desert for three days of music and sunshine.There are two departures - April 10 and 17, 2013, catchingboth weekends of the festival. Both departures also givethe option of connecting with another trip afterwards suchas the Wild Western or the Western Highlights, taking indestinations such as San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, theGrand Canyon and more.For more information or to book call 020-7468 4335 or seewww.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

NEILSON HAS extended its 'two weeks for the price of oneoffer' available at its Turkey and Greece Beachclubs for lateAugust, September and October departures.

The company's beachclubs each offer a range of waterand land-based activities, from stand-up paddle boarding,water-skiing and mountain biking to snorkelling, yoga &zumba classes and spa treatments.

As an example of prices, a 14-night stay (departing onAugust 26 from Gatwick) at the four-star Sivota Beach Clubin Greece costs from £1,179 per person. The price includesClub Board basis (daily breakfast and lunch plus fourevening meals across two weeks), flights, transfers, kids’clubs, activities and tuition - subject to availability.For more information call 0845-070 3460 or see www.neilson.co.uk

Two weeks for the price of one from Neilson

One Stop Touring Shop issues new 2013 North America brochures with new itineraries

www.travelbulletin.co.ukJuly 27 20124

newsbulletin

TAXI TEAM...St. Kitts and Nevis has unveiled its first branded London Taxi, as part of a 12-monthpromotional advertising campaign in the UK with London Taxi Advertising. Pictured showcasingthe new imagery are, from the left: Jennifer Hensley, St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Sharon Frame,Kuoni Travel in Kensington and Annie Bulmer of Annie Bulmer Travel. The new campaign will besupported by a number of marketing initiatives during the course of the year, includingCaribbean Month in September and St. Kitts Tourism Week in October. For more information see www.stkittstourism.kn

Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

● Cox & Kings’ new Middle East 2013 brochure uncovers thebest that Middle East has to offer with escorted small-grouptours, accompanied by expert guides, and tailor-madetravel ideas to suit all budgets. Encompassing a crescent ofcountries from Morocco in the west, through Tunisia, Egypt,Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and stretching as far as Omanon the Arabian Gulf to the ancient Silk Road lands ofUzbekistan and central Asia, this brochure reveals theincredible sights, varied cultures and beautiful hotels foundthroughout this fascinating region. Tour prices start from£995 for an 8-day tour of Egypt or Morocco.Reservations: 020 7873 5000.

Mailbox

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

representing good buys. Sue Hurdle, chief executive

of the Travel Foundation,said: “For those headingaway on their summerholiday this year, look out forquality crafts, check to seewhere the item is made andwhat it’s made from - ask thestallholder or shop owner ifthere isn’t a label. Thinkabout things you can imaginelooking at or using when youget back home - local artwhich can be framed, rugs orhand-crafted jewellery - anddon’t forget to enjoy theexperience.” For details seewww.makeholidaysgreener.org.uk

● continued from previous page


WIN A 4 NIGHT HOLIDAY FOR 2 IN NEW ORLEANS!

Simply email [email protected] with the correct answers to the following questions to be in with a chance!

1. How old is Funway Holidays?

5 20 40

2. In which State is New Orleans situated?

Alabama Georgia Louisiana

3. New Orleans is the birthplace of what?

Jazz Sport Wine

DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES!

Book any holiday that includes at least 3 nights in New Orleans and you will be entered into this fantastic prize draw TWICE! Email your answers to the above questions along with your Funway Holidays reservation number.

ENTRY CLOSES: 8TH AUGUST 2012

Terms & Conditions:

Sample packages: The above packages are based in £’s per person with 2 adults sharing a standard room,

Airways /American Airlines, accommodation as stated and all taxes and fuel surcharges. All prices are subject to availability and change, and can be withdrawn at any time. Supplements may apply at certain times.

Holiday prize: 4 night New Orleans holiday prize includes all that is stated above and is subject to availability and change. Further terms and conditions may apply.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN A 4 NIGHT HOLIDAY FOR 2 IN NEW ORLEANS, LOOK NO FURTHER.

MAISON DUPUY


INCLUDES 1 COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST FOR 2 PLUS 2 WELCOME DRINKS UPON ARRIVAL!

ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL

4 NIGHTS FROM £835PPINCLUDES $50 RESORT CREDIT!

SHERATON NEW ORLEANS


INCLUDES 1 NIGHT FREE!

HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE

4 NIGHTS FROM £849PPINCLUDES A SAVING OF 25%!

W NEW ORLEANS

4 NIGHTS FROM £815PPINCLUDES A SAVING OF 25%!

WISH YOU WERE HERE?

YOU COULD BE!

FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO BOOK CALL NOW ON 0844 557 0626 OR VISIT WWW.FUNWAY4AGENTS.CO.UK

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S02 TB2707 News 1_Layout 1 25/07/2012 11:21 Page 5

COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has introduced a private door-to-door home pick up service forcustomers on a selection of its holidays in its 2013 USA, Canada & Worldwide programme.

Adding an extra element of service to its escorted touring holidays, customers will be driven ina private chauffeur driven car to the airport and given assistance with luggage to the terminalbuilding as well as being met in the arrivals area on their return and driven home.

Special offers for the new brochure include an airport hotel deal of £29 per room available at afour-star rated airport hotel for a one night pre- or post-tour stay and includes up to 14 nights'airport parking. To meet demand from single travellers, a wider choice of departure dates anditineraries with no single supplement to pay has also been added to the programme.

As examples of prices, new holidays to North America include a tour to mark the 50thanniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, the 12-day ‘Footsteps of Martin Luther King’which costs from £1,795 per person, as well as a tour of Texas, the 14-day ‘Texas – the Lone StarState’, which leads in at £1,965. For more information visit www.trade-gate.co.uk

Grand Canyon

Qatar Airways launches flights to Mombasa QATAR AIRWAYS is to launch flights to the Kenyan city of Mombasa on August 15.

Return fares start from £643, departing Heathrow in September, and flights to Mombasa arealso available from Manchester Airport from £674 return. For more information visit www.qatarairways.com or call 0870-389 8090.

Moscow-StPetersburg cruise deal from IntouristFOR A limited timeIntouristUK is offering upto 20% discount on itsPeter the First cruise onfour select dates inAugust and September.

The MS Peter the firstsails from Moscow to StPetersburg in 12 days and11 days in reverse andoffer ensuite facilities andspacious cabins.

As an example ofprices, an August 24departure, sailing fromMoscow to St Petersburgnow leads in at £1,449 perperson including flights,offering a saving of £342per person. For more information or to book call 0141-204 5809, [email protected] orvisit www.intouristuk.com

newsbulletin

Cosmos Tours & Cruises launches door-to-door pick up service


LYKIAWORLD IS highlighting a range of family activitiesacross its Ölüdeniz and Antalya resorts this summer.

Next month the company’s Ölüdeniz resort will hostmonth-long family fun festivities, including balloon-modelling, tennis and mini golf tournaments, singingcontests and family Olympics. The Antalya resortprovides a host of workshops aimed at its youngestguests, with ballet, football, judo, karate, acrobatics andswimming programmes offered throughout August.

As an example of prices, Thomas Cooks’ Style

Collection Holidays offers seven nights at Ölüdeniz from£3,736 for a family of four staying in a Village FamilyRoom on full board, including Economy flights fromGatwick for travel on August 3. A six-night stay at theAntalya resort leads in at £4,404 for a family of fourstaying in a Family Room on an all-inclusive basis,including Economy flights from Gatwick for travel onAugust 25. For more information or to book call 0844-482 1674 or visit www.lykiagroup.co.uk


SOUTHEND AIRPORT has announcedan exclusive partnership withLandmark Aviation to handlebusiness jets this summer.

The partnership will see Landmarkutilising the exclusive new business

jet facilities at the airport, offeringits passengers access to the OlympicPark at Stratford and the city.

The airport’s new facilities includeconference rooms and a number ofdifferent areas in which passengers

and crew can relax before a flight.They also offer discreet, directaccess to an exclusive business jetparking area and form part of the£100m (US$150m) investment in theairport by owners the Stobart Group.

ENCORE TICKETS has added two attractions to its portfolio foragents to promote to their clients. Tickets for The View fromthe Shard, which opens to the public on February 1, 2013, costfrom £26 for adults and £21 for children. The View is situatedat the top of The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europeon floors 68, 69 and 72 and the viewing experience will be ahigh tech and multi-sensory journey, with 360° viewsstretching 40 miles across the city.

The company has also been appointed as the exclusiveagent for Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts, served on the luxuryThames riverboat, the Silver Sturgeon.

Guests are treated to several courses of seasonal food, allsourced locally and cooked fresh on board and prices startfrom £58.50 per person. For more information and tickets agents should email YasminEstaitih at [email protected]

Encore adds new attractions to portfolio

Southend Airport announces new exclusive partnership with Landmark Aviation

FRANCIS FORD Coppola’s Turtle Inn, located in Belize's coastal villageof Placencia has launched a series of exclusive Whale Shark divepackages. All excursions will take place from Turtle Inn’s new 46-footdive boat, Miss Ellie, and, as an example, a four-night scuba package,including breakfast accommodation, starts from $1,364 (£863) perdiver, based on twin share plus $289 (£183) taxes, marine reserveentrance fees and service charges. A $500 deposit per diver is alsorequired on reservation and the balance is required 30 days prior toarrival. Packages can be taken until November 20 and betweenNovember 26 and December 19. For details see www.coppolaresorts.com/turtleinn

Newsbites● THE FIVE-STAR Centara Grand Beach Resort &

Villas Hua Hin in Thailand has been accepted as amember of The Leading Hotels of the World.

● QATAR AIRWAYS has launched scheduled flightsfrom Heathrow to the Western Australian city ofPerth, marking the start of a three-times weeklyservice to the city.

● ANAND COLLECTION has been appointed torepresent the five-star Mia Resort in Nha Trang,Vietnam to the UK/Ireland market. For details see www.mianhatrang.com

● YORK’S SIGHTSEEING card, the York Pass, haswelcomed the city’s newest visitor attraction,York’s CHOCOLATE Story, to its discounted offerssection.The attraction takes visitors on a journeythrough York’s sweet heritage, where they can seechocolate come to life from bean to bar and heargenerations of York’s chocolate secrets as well aschocolate-making demonstrations. For details see www.yorkpass.com andwww.visityork.org

● ABERCROMBIE & Kent has been awarded thehighest grading of five stars for SustainableTourism from AITO. The accolade is given tooperators that demonstrate community, education,environmental and health projects alongside theirbusiness model.

● HAT MARKETING has launched its first FloridaAttractions Collection (FAC) online training coursein partnership with Online Travel Training aimed atretail travel agents and tour operator callcentres.The collection is a group of CentralFlorida’s “Rest of the Best” attractions, tours andexperiences. The course comprises of five, half-hour training modules and the first 100 travelpartners to complete the course will receive a giftfrom one of FAC's partners. See www.floridaattractionslearning.com

LykiaWorld highlights family activities in Antalya & Ölüdeniz for summer

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www.travelbulletin.co.uk

WEBSCLUSIVES

● Win a 4 night holiday for 2 in New Orleans, courtesy ofFunway, BA, New Orleans Tourism and AmericanAirlines. Enter the competition onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

● Tickets for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2012,hosted at London’s luxurious Landmark Hotel, arenow available for £250 each or £2,700 for a table oftwelve. To order online, go towww.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/reserve-tickets

● There’s still time for agents to win a 7 nights cruise fortwo, full-board, courtesy of MSC Cruises’ competition.To enter, all you have to do is answer one simplequestion. Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

MOVERS● APT HAS appointed Jessica Shelton-Agar as account

manager.● MARK WILLIAMS has been appointed UK sales manager

of Cyprotels Hotels & Resorts.● THE MELBOURNE Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB)

has appointed Edwina San as general managercommercial partnerships and Jon Malpas as associatedirector partnerships and events. Rebecca Elliott willmove from communications manager to take over themanagement of marketing, in addition tocommunications.

● MARITIM HOTELS has appointed Mark Taylor as leisureand tour operator account manager.

● FOLLOWING THE recent election by members, Advantagehas announced that Mark Mitchell (Affinion Travel), NicoleEaves (Garstang Travel) and Jimmy Martin (Jimmy MartinTravel) have been elected as first-time, non-executivedirectors to serve two years on the Advantage TravelCentres Board. Mark Mitchell was elected unopposed torepresent members whose annual leisure travel turnoverexceeds £10million. Nicole Eaves and Jimmy Martin wereelected to represent members whose annual leisuretravel turnover is less than £10million. At the AGM RonMarks, managing director of Baldwins Travel, was electedchairman.

● TOURISM FLANDERS-Brussels has appointed AndrewDaines as UK director.

New guidelines aim to improve air travel experience for people withreduced mobilityABTA AND the CAA have launched new guidelines forthe travel industry to help deliver a smooth airportexperience for people with reduced mobility.

The guidelines aim to give information and advice fortravel companies and airports on how to provide theoptimal experience for passengers who requireassistance at the airport.

Under European law, all passengers who are disabledor have difficulty moving around can receive assistancewhen they fly, free of charge.

The document is intended to supplement theDepartment for Transport’s 2008 Code of Practicedetailing the requirements of the legislation onproviding assistance to disabled persons and PRMs byoffering practical guidance based on experience.

‘Groom Service’ by Select Collection SELECT COLLECTION has launched a new ‘GroomService’ to assist husbands-to-be in creating the idealhoneymoon experience. The initiative was introduced bythe company after it noticed a sharp increase in thenumber of men now booking the honeymoon.

The service includes a complimentary consultationwith a dedicated travel expert in the company's boutiquein Mayfair, where grooms can benefit from the travelteam’s insider knowledge and exclusive on-the-groundcontacts, to create a unique, made-to-measurehoneymoon. A concierge service is also available tofurther enhance the trip.For more information call 020-7491 7171, [email protected] or visitwww.selectcollection.com

CONCERT COUP...TravelCube UK, led by Andrea Parkinson(pictured fourth from the right), regional account manager for theNorth, recently took agents from the Northwest area for anentertaining dinner and night out to a Michael Buble Tribute nightat Liverpool’s Knowsley Suites Hotel, which also providedcomplimentary bed-and-breakfast for agents.


FROM NOW until September 30, Travel 2 is running‘bonza campaign’ - The Big 30 Ozzie Adventure whichallows agents to win one of 30 places on a trip DownUnder. To qualify agents must make a booking witheither BA or Qantas (partners of the campaign) toAustralia, Singapore or Bangkok. For details visit www.travel2.com

READ ALL ABOUT IT...catching up on the latestTravel Bulletin news are Colombian representativesfrom the Columbian Tourist Board (CTB),. Fromnow until August 16, the CTB is taking over theNational Geographic Store in London'sKnightsbridge to showcase the destination to thetrade and consumers. Events include seminars,children’s workshops and live music. See www.colombia.travel/en/natgeo-colombia


agentbulletin

Booking incentive

Agent offersOTT IS running a competition through Pinterestuntil September 7, where participants are invitedto upload holiday pictures of themselves underthe categories a) Adventure b) Laugh Out Loud c)New Cultures d) World Food. First prize is £100in Amazon eVouchers and runners-up willreceive £25 in Amazon eVouchers. The winnerswill be determined by the number of re-pins(votes) each entry receives. For details visit www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk

UNTIL AUGUST 13, Dertour will have the luxuryocean cruise liner MS Deutschland situated inLondon’s West India Dock for the 2012 gamesand is offering accommodation on board foragents visiting London. Prices are £49 perperson per night. To book call 020-7290 1111 or e-mail [email protected]

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has unveiled its newmarketing campaign targeted at New Orleansand to celebrate the operator is giving agents thechance to win a four-night holiday for two in NewOrleans including flights with BA/AmericanAirlines, transfers, three nights at the four-starRoyal Sonesta Hotel, car hire for two days andone night at the Oak Alley Plantation Cottagesplus three complimentary tours. Agents can getinvolved by simply emailing [email protected] byAugust 8 with the correct answers to thefollowing questions: 1. How old is FunwayHolidays? (five, 20 or 40 years old); In whichState is New Orleans situated? (Alabama,Georgia or Louisiana); New Orleans is thebirthplace of what? (Jazz, Sport or Wine). Agentscan also double their chances of winning bybooking any holiday with the company thatincludes at least three nights in New Orleans.



I’M THE only member of the AITO Agents’ Panel who iswholly ‘front-line’ (I go around the world from myoffice chair everyday!) I have been with Journeys a la

Carte for more than 12 years and, like the staff in mostindependent agencies, along with selling holidays, mycolleagues and I are very much involved with all aspectsof the business and current industry issues.

I thought it would be interesting to give an overview of afew of the coffee break topics that we’ve recently foundourselves discussing and how we, as a business, are doinggenerally (there’s no need to mention the dreaded newATOL regulations – this would be an article on its own!)

We are barraged constantly by the publication ofsurveys and thoughts on the supposed death of the HighStreet travel agent. With the large operators closingshops as they drive sales through the internet instead, weindependent agents should not complain as this providesus with a massive opportunity!

I am confident that many AITO Agents are, like us, doingwell - despite booking patterns this year being more‘higgledy piggledy’ than ever. Some months have beenincredible and others not so great, but it all balances out.

So, how are specialist agents going to maintain andimprove sales figures despite a predicted doom and gloomof press reports and surveys, in order to demonstrate thatthe independent sector is here to stay? Despite not havinga shop front, we have found that word-of-mouth and clientrecommendations allow us to thrive, and that establishinga niche market is paramount. AITO Agents work indifferent ways – we all have slightly different ‘modusoperandi’ - but what we all have in common is theadvantage of working with AITO operators, as well asother excellent specialist operators.

People are still travelling, of that there is no doubt, butnow clients more than ever want to know that their moneyis being spent properly. It is inevitable that they will dotheir own research on the internet and look at costs. Weare all conscious that we may be compared with otheragencies or direct-sell companies and thereforeknowledge, attention to detail and high levels of serviceare fundamental if we are going to get the booking andsecure a life-long client. It will also be even moreessential to work with tour operators who have the sameethos.

Charging consultancy fees was a hot topic that AITOAgents debated during the recent overseas conference inMadeira. ‘Time wasters’ or ‘expertise takers’, is a subjectthat will always be contentious. Opinions on fees are very

divided - some thought that discussing trips with apotential client was not a waste of time. A booking maynot always result, but hopefully the client would takeaway a positive view of the agency, its knowledge andlevels of service.

Defining clients who will take expertise and bookelsewhere can be difficult. At Journeys, our databaserecords work done in the past for those who have notbooked. If several enquiries worked on have not resultedin a booking, we feel comfortable in saying that a‘refundable on booking fee’ will be charged.

Tour operators working with non-bonded travel agentsis another current contentious issue. Clearly, without theusual overheads and funds being tied up with bonding,these agents can afford to work with lower margins thanbonded agents. This is an internal industry issue – aquestion of ethics - and we appreciate that tour operatorstake responsibility for the clients involved, but areconcerned that, as agents, we are not working from alevel playing field. This is a subject we feel very stronglyabout and is an issue that all agents should discuss withtour operators to make them aware of our concerns.

Finally, as a member of the AITO Agents Panel, one ofmy roles is to support sustainable tourism. ‘MakeHolidays Greener Month’ (this month) is a consumerawareness campaign that engages holidaymakers with theidea of ‘greener’ holidays, helping to protect theenvironment and benefit local people in touristdestinations. Get your clients to do just one thing whenthey next go on holiday that will help benefit local peopleand protect the environment in their holiday destinations.You can find lots of helpful information atwww.makeholidaysgreener.org.uk

The hot topics in debate from a frontline travel agent

To respond to any of Claire's views email [email protected]

opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!by CLAIRE HUNT, sales consultantat Journeys a la Carte and AITO

Agents’ panel member


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

The United Kingdom’s only island city!

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, August 2nd. Solution and new puzzle

will appear next week.

The winner for 13th July is Caitlin Kirk, Bath Travel

Petersfield in Hants.

July 13 Solution: A=8 B=9 C=6 D=4

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 075

Travagrams

Across 1. Ferry operator, ___ Seaways (4)3. With three jumps, Phillips ___ could win an

Olympic medal (5)8. Central American country (9)9. Currency of China (4)10. Home of the Terracotta Army (4)12. Egyptian city and canal (4)13. Gardening expert and broadcaster, ___

Titchmarsh (4)16. English city, sounds like a vintage

warplane (9)17. Ryan, captain of the Team GB football

squad (5)18. Egyptian goddess (4)

Down 1. Artistic director for the London 2012 opening

ceremony (5,5)2. Costa Blanca resort (5)4. Capital of the Northern Territory (6)5. George Orwell wrote about this town's non-

existent pier (5)6. Playing card and sports term (3)7. The Olympic Flame was recently carried through

the Square of this long-running soap (10)11. Popular Malaysian destination (6)12. Desert and Mount (5)14. Olympic arrows will fall here where wickets

usually do (5)15. Get cash here, initially (3)

Where Am I?

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

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 32

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

075

This tour operator is higher than ground level

This city was once called Batmania named after its founder John batman.

A Hilarious Rod Sty

rumble one

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


KENT LIFE, near Maidstone in Kent, is rolling back the yearsthis summer to recreate a 1950s holiday camp.

From now until September 3, the attraction is adding arange of activities, transporting visitors back to an age whenholiday camps were the highlight of every British summer.

Staff will be getting into the retro spirit by wearing specialholiday camp uniforms and encouraging guests to join in arange of activities - from tug-of-war competitions to sportsday races.

The attraction also offers an outdoor adventure play area, afarm, soft indoor play barn, donkey rides, pottery studio, juniorelectric quad bikes, tractor rides, dressing up and stilt-walking.

Other highlights include a Vintage Village, which features arange of period dressed historic buildings; gardens, an orchardand a wildlife discovery trail.

The attraction is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 onweekdays and 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends and during schoolholidays until November. The usual admission is £8.95 foradults and £6.50 for children. Children aged three and undergo free. A minimum group of 15 is required for pre-bookings. For more information visit www.kentlife.org.uk or call 01622-763936.

ST PETERSBURG is on most people’s bucket list but untilnow it has been expensive and sometimes difficult to obtain avisa to visit the former Russian capital, even on a packagebreak. Over the last five years, many UK tourists have usedluxury cruise liners which sail around the Baltic duringsummer to access the city, which includes an overnight stayto explore the area, often with expensive group excursions toadd to the cruise price.

BAway is now packaging a new visa-free cruise and staypackage from Helsinki to St. Petersburg, using the four-starferries of St Peterline, with a two-night hotel stay in the city.

The four-night break, including flights from Heathrow, setssail on the Princess Maria, St.Peterline’s ferry service from

Helsinki. Guests spend overnight on the ferry before arrivingin St Petersberg the next morning, where they can then boardthe free shuttle bus into the city arriving at a choice of hotels,using their ferry ticket as a visa to access the city.

Prices start from £479 per person for a four-night stay,which includes two nights on the ferry, buffet dinner withwine/beer on the ferry each night and two nights' four-star accommodation in St Petersburg, based on twosharing, as well as a bus ticket allowing travellers accessto transport from the port and around the city for theduration of their stay.

Commission to agents is 10%. For more information or to book visit www.baway.co.uk

Hop picker, Kent Life

Kent Life introduces retro summer camp


newsbulletin

THE ANNUAL Skål World Congress, whichtakes place in Korea this year and includesthe general assembly and business-to-

business workshop, provides a unique opportunityfor Skålleagues to meet other members fromaround the world, make new friends and renewand revitalise old friendships.

The business to business workshop offers theopportunity to do business among friends, as wellas take in parts of the world and special featuresnot usually visited by a typical holidaymaker. Pre-and post-congress tours also offer the option totake in new attractions and places.

The General Assembly of Delegates, which isthe supreme body of Skål International, is thebusiness session which takes place during thecongress and deals with its affairs on a worldwidebasis. It gives each and every member theopportunity to influence the Skål Movement – anopportunity not to be missed. The sessions of theGeneral Assembly are open to all Skålleagueshaving paid their annual fees.

There are now less than three months left forthe 73rd Skål World Congress to be held in theKorean cities of Seoul and Incheon, from October2-7. The Korean organisers are working hard inpreparation for an enjoyable programme and weencourage all Skål members to attend. Skålmembers are now also entitled to beaccompanied by up to four first-degree familymembers and/or qualified prospective membersat Skål Congresses.

For full information and an online registrationform visit www.skalkorea2012.org and for moreinformation on Skål see www.skal.travel

The International Association of Travel and TourismProfessionals, Skål, shares details on its annualWorld Congress in Korea...

SKÅL THE

WORLD OVER

BAway packages new visa-free cruise & stay package to St Petersburg



eventbulletin

HOWARD'S WAY...Sue Cragg from USAirtours presents Stephen Howard ofStephen Howard Travel with his prizeof a fam trip to Florida.

OSCAR GLORY...Sandy Murray from Sandy

Travel presents a Lifetime Achievement

Oscar to Tony Byrne from Great Rail

Journeys.

CHOCOLATE HEAVEN...Amanda

Bryan (left) from Classic Collection

presents Sandy Murray from Sandy

Travel with £200 holiday vouchers

and a chocolate hamper.

MASKED ATTRACTION...Nicky Yates (left) from

Attraction World dons her Simon Cowell mask as

she presents Kelly Cooks from Thomas Cook with her

£100 Experience World voucher.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS...Susan Rhodes (left) of SandyTravel presents the Best Dressed Female award toAnna Kershaw from Jet2Holidays.

THE 17TH Yorkshire ABTA Balltook place at the Cedar CourtHotel in Huddersfield recently.The theme of the evening was 'ANight at the Oscars', with allproceeds going to Born Free andFriends of Conservation. As youcan see from the pictures,attendees enjoyed a night ofentertainment, awards anddancing...

LEEDING THE WAY... Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) won ‘Best

Yorkshire Airport Team’ award at this year’s event. Pictured

are, from the left: LBA's Emma Holliday; organiser of the

event, Sandy Murray from Sandy Travel; and James

Broughton from LBA.


news


DoSomethingDifferent.com adds extra value to Orlando Freedom Ticket Plus

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS included unlimited entrance to Legoland Florida to itsOrlando Freedom Ticket Plus at no extra cost.

The ticket includes every major Florida theme park for one price and costs £456 foradults and £436 for children aged three to nine.For details call 020-8090 3890.

ITC CLASSICS has announced the launch of its new touringbrochure, Discover, as well as new escorted tours, new solotraveller tours, plus new destinations including Cambodiaand Zimbabwe.

The company is launching its escorted tours todestinations including Africa, India, Peru and Iceland andeach group will be led by destination experts.

Following a recent increase in demand for solo travel, theoperator carried out research to identify the most desirabledestinations. The results include New York, Mexico,Marrakech and South Africa, all of which are now featuredin the operator’s new programme. As an example, a newly

added Journey Through India itinerary offers a range ofaccommodation, including stays at royal palaces, plus theopportunity to take a ride on an Indian houseboat aroundKerala’s backwaters, visit Delhi, the Taj Mahal, the Red Fortof Agra and Jaipur.

Prices for the 15-night journey lead in at £11,495 perperson, based on two sharing and departures are betweenMarch 17 and April 1, 2013 and March 7 and March 22, 2014- to be confirmed. The maximum number of guests on thetour is 16. To book or for more information call 01244-355527 or visitwww.itcclassics.co.uk/touring

THE LATEST brochure release fromNewmarket Holidays sees the addition ofseveral escorted tours covering the US andCanada, with departure dates through tospring 2014 on many itineraries.

The operator, which celebrates 30 yearsof trading next year, offers a selection thatincludes several ‘Fall Colours’ tours in NewEngland, scenic journeys through Virginiaand the ‘Carolinas’, a ‘Deep South’ ‘musiccities’ journey through ‘America’s musicalheartland’, and several itineraries coveringthe ‘Golden West’ of California, Nevada andArizona. In Canada, the main highlightsinclude Niagara, the cities of Toronto,

Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec, as well as theRockies and Pacific Rim gems of Vancouverand Victoria.

New itineraries featured include‘California’s Golden Coast’ incorporating acruise to Mexico, a ‘Pacific Northwest’ tourincluding visits to Portland and Seattle anda ‘Best of Canada’ holiday.

The company offers flights with severaltransatlantic carriers, quality hotels, allcoach travel and the services of a tourmanager on all its North Americanprogrammes.For more information [email protected]

Latest US & Canada brochure launch from Newmarket offers 20 tours

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED...six Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants’ sales managers were in Crawleyrecently as part of a week-long sales mission for leisure clients. Attendees included British Airways,Virgin Holidays, Tailor Made Travel, TUI Travel and Funway Holidays. Guests were also entered into adraw to win two-night stays at Kimpton Hotels. Pictured is Patricia Herrera (left) from Kimpton Hotelspresenting Suzanne Harvey of TUI with a two-night stay at Eventi Hotel in New York and a Kimptonsignature animal-print robe.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@DFDS_EngChannelCheese, glorious cheese -take a look at this handymap guide to the Frenchcheese regions:http://dld.bz/b8Z43

@WeGiveUTheWorldIf you've made a#PortAventura bookingsince 1st July claim a £5Love2Shop voucher. Emailyour bkg refs to [email protected]

@InghamsHolidaysDeals of the week: Cows,Knödel, Wine & Music - allthe fun of the festival!Some events you won'twant to misshttp://bit.ly/MvsVVm

@LondonCityAirPlan your journey inadvance during theOlympics and avoid thepublic transport hot spots,to see more clickhttp://bit.ly/R2G6yM

@FredOlsenCruiseFred. Olsen's Price Pledgehttp://bit.ly/OAJb9e

@PATATravelNewsDusit International Offers40% Discount to TravelTrade Insidershttp://ow.ly/cn8zj

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

TravelBulletin

ITC Classics adds new escorted tours & solo traveller options to new brochure



egypt

VIRGIN HOLIDAYS Worldwide Journeys is highlighting its eight-day Classic Egypt tour which leads in at £995 per person. The priceincludes EgyptAir flights to Cairo; accommodation in Giza, Saqqara and Memphis; and a four-night Nile Cruise visiting Luxor, Esna,Edfu, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Elephant Island, Aswan and Cairo. Prices are based on two sharing on a mixed boardbasis and include sightseeing with English-speaking guides, transfers, all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges.For details call 0844-225 1235 or visit www.virginholidaysjourneys.co.uk

HAYES & Jarvis is featuring three alternative Nile cruise boattrips in its newly-launched Worldwide programme for 2013.

Available at four- and five-star level, the cruises take in arange of historic sites along the Nile.

Prices start from £839 per person for a seven-night Imagesof the Nile cruise on the four-star MS Magic, which giveshistory lovers the opportunity to see the highlights of Egypt’sancient civilisation, including Karnak and Luxor, the AswanHigh Dam and the Valley of the Kings.

At luxury level, the Classic Nile journey on the five-star JazRegency costs from £979 per person. Journeying betweenhistoric monuments, the cruise showcases Egypt’s ancientsights, while qualified Egyptologists are on hand to recountstories of the pharaohs.

The operator's regional product manager for the MiddleEast, Katie Parsons, said: “There will always be a demand forNile Cruises because of the fascination with Egypt’s ancientcivilisation and, while there is no doubting that it has been adifficult year for Egypt, demand is returning slowly and salesare now picking up.”For more information or to book call 0871-200 2211 or visitwww.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

Hayes & Jarvis offers three Nile cruisetrips in 2013 Worldwide programme

ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays has added the luxury MS Nile Style for2013. A seven-night ‘Classic Nile Cruise’ departing Luxor leads inat £1,035 per person including flights and full boardaccommodation. The cruise is accompanied by an Egyptologist.For more information visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3585.

Luxor

S04 TB2707 Egypt_Layout 1 25/07/2012 12:27 Page 15

A brand new hotel designed to guarantee a fun-fi lled family holiday, Sunwing Waterworld Makadi Hotel is built around it’s own aqua park, with giant fl umes, huge waterslide gantry, wave pool, and loads more ways to have fun in the water. Combined with beachfront location, spacious family rooms and and a huge choice of all inclusive dining, it’s the ideal choice for all the family.

Child price guaranteed Any date, any duration.

Sunwing Waterworld Makadi

The Egyptian Experts

ABTA No.Y2507

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

Now available to book in the UK exclusively through Red Sea Holidays.

All Inclusive

NOWOPEN

£419

Child Price Guarantee: see brochure for details.


Shearings unveils best-selling Egypt itineraries

SHEARINGS REPORTS that its best-selling Egyptitineraries includes a 15-day Classic Nile & El Gouna,which offers a combination of a river cruise with an all-inclusive seven-night stay in El Gouna, giving customersthe chance to explore the ancient treasures of Egypt.

Highlights of the holiday include a trip to the templesof Karnak and Luxor, a chance to explore Aswan and theHigh Dam and a Felucca trip along the River Nile.

Prices lead in at £1,219 per person and include sevennights' all-inclusive hotel accommodation, seven nights'full board accommodation on the Nile cruise,sightseeing excursions, flights and transfers.For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visitwww.shearings.com

egypt


Bales Worldwide marks 65 years withlaunch of 600-mile Dahabiyya cruiseAFTER 15 years of part-closure, the Egyptian government hasannounced that it is opening up the Nile from Cairo to Aswan.The iconic 600-mile journey was one of Bales Worldwide’smost popular holidays prior to closure and the company hasannounced plans recommencing the luxury voyage again, onits exclusive Dahabiyya sailboats, from this October.

Dahabiyyas are fully inclusive and cater for 12 passengers.Each sailing is accompanied by an Egyptologist and during thejourney guests can explore the lesser known sites of MiddleEgypt, such as the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hasan, Tell el-Amarna and Abydos.

While departure dates and new operational elements of thetour are being finalised, the company is offering thoseinterested in the cruise to pre-register interest online and beone of the first to receive finalised dates and prices. For more information visit www.balesworldwide.com or call 0845-271 2318.

Planet urges agents to capitalise onrenewed demand for EgyptPLANET HOLIDAYS is encouraging agents to highlightEgypt's attractions and sights to clients following increasinginterest in the destination.

The company's director, Harry Kyrillou, said: "Egypt is stillto recover from the developments over the last 18 months andits tourism product is not performing as it might have been.However, this is a destination whose uniqueness will ensure itdoes come back as a top-selling tourism destination. This isparticularly true for classic Egypt, that is to say the Nilecruises and packages that combine a classic trip with anextra week as an add-on to Red Sea holiday 'hot' spots.

"We can offer agents tailor-made packages for theirclients and help them to put together components for clientsnot looking for the traditional seven- and 14-night breaks tothe Red Sea. Egypt should not be undersold by retailers andthere is a great deal they can cash in on, if they want topursue sales that require a little effort."

As an example of prices, a seven-night breakfast stay atthe Steinberger Al Dau leads in at £997 per person inOctober, based on two sharing. Flights from Gatwick andtransfers are also included. For more information see www.planet-holidays.co.uk or call 0871-871 2234.

DISCOVER EGYPT recently hosted a fam to Egypt, which saw BathTravel agents boarding the Royal Viking for an educational of Nilecruises at Luxor. Pictured on the steps of The Mortuary Temple ofQueen Hatshepsut, near the Valley of the Kings, are Richard Smith(left) from Cruise.co.uk in Redditch and Luke Simpson from BathTravel in Totton. The operator is currently promoting Nile cruisediscounts of up to 50%.For details see www.discoveregypt.co.uk or call 0844-880 0461.


MOSAIC HOLIDAYS reports 'encouraging signs' for Egypt’sholiday trade and says that it has seen this summer’s latesmarket improve recently following the results of thePresidential elections, and as families increasingly look tomaximise value for their holidays.

The operator says that while it did not see a rise inbookings following England’s early exit from the Eurofootball championships, it did see a spike in enquiries onceWimbledon finished.

The company's managing director, Sabina Shaida, said: "Itseems that those people who did not obtain tickets for theOlympics are looking to get away. What we are not seeing isrock bottom prices, but we are seeing terrific value forholidays to Egypt.

“Traditionally, we have seen many clients travel to Egypt’sRed Sea resorts for a quick week’s break each year, but thishas changed temporarily. We are doing more multi-centrequotes now than at any time in the last 18 months and thissuggests people want to get the maximum they can fromtheir trip.”

A number of hotels on Egypt’s Red Sea are offering extravalue and early booking discounts, even at the higher end ofthe market, and the operator has discounts on holidays to anumber of five-star hotels including the Savoy and Sierra

hotels in Sharm el Sheikh, as well as the Kempinski Hoteland Sheraton Hotel in Soma Bay. There are also discountsavailable at a number of four-star hotels and the operator iscurrently offering additional all-inclusive deals.

As an example of prices, a 14-night stay at the four-starHilton Sharks Bay on all-inclusive basis costs from £1,399per person, based on two sharing. The price includes flights,departing on August 16 from Gatwick, and transfers andoffers a saving of £179 per person.

A September 17 departure from Heathrow to Luxor withEgyptair for seven nights' on Sonesta St.George Nile on afull board basis costs from £1,259 per person. The priceincludes private transfers, is based on two sharing a deluxecabin and offers a saving of £250 per person.

Meanwhile, the operator has recently launched its newWebsite and agents who have registered can print off specialoffer leaflets, complete training and learn more about thecompany's latest news.

For clients looking to travel on the Nile after the schoolholidays, Mosaic Holidays is offering 20% discount onholidays featuring the Sonesta St.George cruise ship.For more information call 020-8574 4000 or visitwww.mosaicholidays.co.uk

Mosaic Holidays sees families capitalising on value for money


egypt

INTREPID TRAVEL is offering 15% off a range of tours that allow travellers to follow in thefootsteps of explorers and legendary leaders, witness the creations of the ancients or experiencethe natural wonders. Travellers who opt for a Discover Egypt tour can spend 15 days visitingsights such as the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, climb Mount Sinai, travel to theValley of Kings by donkey, cruise the Nile on a felucca and relax on Red Sea beaches. Agents canoffer passengers who book by July 31 and travel by December 15 a 15% discount, with land-onlyprices leading in at £525 per person.For details visit www.intrepidtravel.com/inspiringadventures

easyJet Holidayssees ‘bounce-back’in booking levelsHOLIDAYMAKERS ARE onceagain looking at Egypt as apotential holiday destinationfollowing the destination'smove towards democracy,according to easyJetHolidays.

The operator says that itis seeing a strong increasein sales via its Website,with traffic continuing tobounce back to pre-revolution interest levels.

The company's generalmanager, Mandy Round,said: ”While there was atemporary drop inbookings following thetroubles, you can see aspike in interest thatcoincided with theelections in May and it hascontinued to thrive. It isnot surprising that thedestination remainsresilient as it offers year-round sunshine, qualityhotels aswell as thecultural aspects and someof the best diving in theworld.”For more information visithttp://holidays.easyjet.com




egypt

MÖVENPICK HOTELS & Resorts haslaunched a special package thattakes in the sights of Upper Egypt,following the sights that Brad Pitt andAngelina Jolie visited, in preparationfor Angelina’s upcoming film role asQueen Cleopatra.

The couple visited the PtolemaicTemples at Kom Ombo and Edfu, nearAswan, before arriving in Luxor toexplore the sunken tombs of theValley of The Kings and the Valley ofThe Queens.

The company's tour begins close tothe great Giza Pyramids, at theMövenpick Resort Cairo Pyramids, a

village-style collection of bungalows,situated on the Giza Plateau. Guestscan explore both the old and newfaces of Egypt, from the ancientPyramids of Giza and the iconicSphinx, to Cairo’s Museum ofModern Egyptian Art.

After three days in Cairo, a shortflight takes guests to Luxor, to boardone of the company's fleet of Nilecruisers. Featuring 56 Deluxe Cabinsand four Royal Suites, the MS RoyalLily offers guests river views of someof Egypt’s historic sights. Embarkingfrom Luxor to Aswan, the four-nightcruise itinerary includes visits to the

Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Horustemple in Edfu and the temple in KomOmbo. It also moors on the west bankof the Nile, allowing guests to explorethe tombs of Egypt’s royalty.

Cox & Kings is offering the seven-night tour package from £1,475 perperson, including three nights at theMövenpick Resort Cairo Pyramidswith breakfast; a four-night Nilecruise on a full board basis; BritishAirways' flights; transfers andexcursions.For more information visitwww.coxandkings.co.uk or call 020-7873 5000.

Follow in the footsteps of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for £1,500 with Mövenpick

The MS Royal Lily

THE EGYPTIAN State Tourist Office (ESTO) hasannounced its participation in the Africa Village duringthis year’s London 2012 Olympics. For the first time inthe history of the Games, the 53 African NOCs (NationalOlympic Committees) are hosting the Africa Village atKensington Gardens, from today (July 27) through toAugust 12.

The village, which is free to enter, will welcomeathletes and visitors throughout the duration of theOlympic Games and will be made up of Africa Land andAfrica House. Africa Land will be open to the public andwill allow visitors to discover the cultural and artisticriches of the African continent. Africa House representsthe official area for ANOCA (Association of NationalOlympic Committees of Africa) and the 53 African NOCs.

Visitors to Africa Land are invited to experience a tasteof Egypt at the Egypt stand (number B7) and celebrateEgypt exclusively on Saturday August 4, when Egypt takesover the village for a day. The day will highlight thecountry’s cultural diversity and will feature Egyptiandancers, belly dancers, musicians and a variety of

Egyptian cuisine. Art lovers can also receive a traditionalhenna tattoo from a henna artist, while those interestedin the African history of the Olympics can trace Africa’sparticipation in the Games through a photographyexhibition of legendary African sportspeople.

UK director of ESTO, Omayma El Husseini, said: “Thisis a very exciting time for Egypt. During the OlympicGames, 112 Egyptian athletes will compete in 19disciplines, including football, swimming and boxing. Weare proud to be part of this and participate in the firstAfrica Village. Egypt will showcase its diversity, tourismoffering, cultural heritage, art, cuisine and music.Kensington Gardens is a prime location in the heart ofLondon and we are very much looking forward tomeeting Egypt enthusiasts from all over the world.”

Live entertainment will be performed on the mainstage every day from 13:00 to 15:00 and from 18:00 to21:00. Acts include music, dance, fashion shows andtheatre performances. African athletes will also bevisiting Africa Land daily to showcase their medals andcelebrate with fans.

Egyptian State Tourist Office participates in Olympic African Village


WARNER LEISURE Hotels has launched its new conceptsuites and food and beverage outlets at several propertieswithin its portfolio this summer following a £10.5millioninvestment.

The company’s 15 new Premier Suite Chalets at CortonCoastal Village are set in a landscaped garden and includea separate lounge area, sea view and private balcony orpatio. The coastal village is also upgrading some of itsrooms to Premier Chalets which will also be located in thenew landscaped garden area.

Alvaston Hall Hotel in Cheshire has also introduced newPremier Suites, opening this month, with separate sitting

rooms and views over the gardens. The hotel has alsoconverted 31 bedrooms into five Royale Suites withbalconies and nine Signature Rooms with external deckedareas.

Meanwhile, the new Driftwood Restaurant at SinahWarren Hotel has a modern, contemporary style with viewsout over the Solent and an open-plan design, whileLittlecote House Hotel has seen upgrades to its LateLounge and bar and is also undergoing refurbishment of itsguestrooms. For more information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.ukor call 0808-141 1111.

Jet2holidays launches firstdedicated city breaks brochureJET2HOLIDAYS HAS launched its first dedicatedcities brochure, as it sees an increased demand forauthentic cultural breaks in top European capitals.

The operator is responding to its What’s Hot 2012report which revealed that 70% of couples deliberatelychoose a destination to savour its authenticity and 40% ofall respondents look for a city break where they canimmerse themselves in culture and history.

The new brochure features more than 20 city destinationsand more than 70 handpicked hotels, and offers insider tipsfrom the best sightseeing opportunities to places to indulge inthe finest local cuisine.

The company's managing director, Steve Heapy, said: “We arecommitted to meeting the demand for package city breaks, hencethe launch of this dedicated cities brochure. City breaks have alwaysbeen a popular holiday choice but we are seeing an increasingnumber of people wanting the protection, convenience, ease, andvalue for money that comes with booking a package holiday.”

ATOL-protected city breaks start from £199 for three nights inPrague at the three-star Hotel St George on a bed-and-breakfastbasis, based on two sharing.

Optional extras such as taxi or shuttle transfer, a 22kg baggageallowance and extra legroom are available, with adedicated groups team also on hand for largegroups planning a city break with friends.For more information call 0800-408 5587 or visit https://tradesite.jet2holidays.com


shortbreaks

THE BEGINNING of theschool summer holidaysshouldn’t mark the end ofthe peak summer sellingperiod – but the start of avital phase of it, especiallywhen it comes to last-minute UK short breaks.This is the advice to travelagents from Hoseasons,which says that the trendtowards late booking isnow so pronounced thatthe first half of the schoolsummer holidays shouldsee agents pushing lateavailability if they are not to

miss out on a key businessopportunity.

The operator also says thatif new reports that the JetStream is heading back northto bring better weather inAugust are true, a ‘tidal waveof pent-up demand’ could beunleashed.

The company's head ofsales, Zena Calderbank, said:“Traditionally once theschools break up, the travelindustry starts promotingautumn breaks. But this yearwe have seen incredibly latebooking, and we believe there

are still plenty of families whointend to take a break overthe school holiday, but whohaven’t booked yet.

“A combination ofeconomic uncertainty andvariable weather has meantthat many people have heldoff booking until the very lastminute. We believe that manyfamilies are waiting to see ifthe weather improves beforethey decide when they will goaway – so there is potential tobe selling peak summerbreaks throughout the schoolholiday. This is particularly

true for those familiesplanning to holiday in the UK.

“Travel agents who use thenext three weeks in particularto promote last minutegetaways will find they aretapping into a potentially richseam of business.

“There is a tidal wave ofpent-up demand which couldbe unleashed if these reportsturn out to be justified andthe sun comes out. This willbring huge businessopportunities for agents, soit’s important that they areprepared to take advantage.”

Predicted better weather could unleash ‘tidal wave of pent-up demand’

Warner Leisure Hotels invests £10.5million in new concept suites and food outlets

Paris

S04b TB2707 Short Breaks_Layout 1 24/07/2012 16:28 Page 21

TABER HOLIDAYS has added a new Northern Lights Weekend breakin Finland. Based in Muonio guests travel into the wildernessthrough snow-covered forests with husky dogs, reindeer and bysnowmobile, chasing the Northern Lights. The three-night tourdeparts every Sunday from January 3 to April 14, 2013 and costsfrom £1,360 per person including flights, transfers, accommodationand snowmobile, husky, reindeer and snowshoe activities. For details call 01274-875199 or visit www.taberhols.co.uk

SUPERBREAK HAS put two new tours on sale for agents topromote to their clients booking short breaks to London.Available when packaged up with a hotel booking, agentscan now book tickets to the recently opened ‘Up at the O2’which allows visitors to walk over the iconic O2 arena. Inaddition, to help agents capitalise on the high demandexpected when it launches, the operator is now sellingtickets to ‘The View from the Shard’, which opens inFebruary next year.

Prices for Up at the O2 cost from £22 per person. The 90-minute experience takes visitors on an expedition across

the roof of the O2 to take in 360-degree views of Londonfrom the viewing platform in the centre of the roof, beforedescending back to base.

Tickets for The View from the Shard lead in at £29.95 perperson. At a height of 1,016ft (310m) it is the tallest buildingin Western Europe and The View is situated at the top ofThe Shard. High-speed lifts will transport visitors to theview to experience 360-degree views across a 40-mileradius over the city.For more information see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

shortbreaks


Win a 2 night

Britannia HotelChampagne BreakPontins Holidays are giving away a 2 nightChampagne Break for 2 people, in eachof our Summer Months -June, July and August 2012*.All you have to do to win is book as many Pontins Holidays for any date in 2012 between 1st of June up to the 31st August. Each month the top agent with the most revenue will be awarded the prize.

With 41 Britannia Hotels to choose from, this is a fantastic prize no matter what your location.

A monthly report will be run by Pontins to award the winner. Winners will be contacted directly by telephone and details posted on the Pontins website.

*Subject to availability.

FOLLOWING THE latest fitness craze of hula hoopin’, Haven hasintroduced classes in the activity to all of its 35 coastal holidayparks this summer.

The company is also offering Jump Rope sessions across allresorts. Prices start from £220 for the whole family for a three-night break at Wild Duck in Norfolk on August 31. The price isbased on up to six sharing a Superior two-bedroom caravanand includes a selection of free activities.

Meanwhile, guests staying at the company's Rockley Parkcan learn to sail just down the road from Weymouth Bay, one ofthe venues for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailingcompetitions.

Football fans can test dribbling skills, ball control andpassing techniques as well as tactical play with the operator'sfree Coke FC Football Coaching now available at all parksexcept Lydstep Beach, Quay West, Reighton Sands, RiviereSands and Seaview.

For toddlers, the company has launched new Learn2Bikesessions, aimed at children aged two to four years, usingspecial brightly coloured balance bikes with no pedals to makeit easier for little ones, by teaching them to ride withoutworrying about pedalling.

Meanwhile, an Activity Pass allows customers to pre-bookand buy a package of ‘pay as you go’ activities at selected parksat reduced prices of up to 25%. Passes are available on apackage of six or 12 sports and water activities includingfencing, archery, and tennis coaching as well as other activitiesfrom abseiling, AquaJets and climbing wall to roller blading,Turbo Paddlers and Water Walkerz.

Prices start from £220 for up to six sharing a Superior two-bedroom caravan for three nights at Presthaven Sands in NorthWales on August 31. For details visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

Haven introduces traditional games for summer

FOUR PILLARS Hotels is highlighting a range of value breaksand offers, with prices leading in at £38 per person per night.

The company offers six properties across Oxfordshire,Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, which it says provides anideal base for an action-packed summer escape.

Weekend breaks this month and next start from £47 perperson per night, while prices for guests staying between twoand five nights up to September 2 lead in at £37.60 per personon a half-board basis. The company is also offering freebreakfast stays to children aged up to 12 years old when theyshare their parents' room. For more information visit www.four-summer.co.uk or call 0800-374692.

Four Pillars promotes British escapes from £38 per night

Superbreak adds new tours for O2 & The View from the Shard


shortbreaks

The capital city of the cravat welcomes you!

C ROAT I A

InBrief● ACCORHOTELS.COM IS offering discounts at hotels

throughout the UK and Ireland with savings of up to 40%and rooms from £18. The summer price promotion isavailable to customers booking by September 6 for staysup to September 9.

See www.accorhotels.com ● TRANSUN IS highlighting a Northern Lights break from

Luton Airport which departs on December 21. Prices lead inat £899 per person including full board accommodation,thermal suits and boots, transfers, a snowmobile safari, avisit to reindeer camp and the chance to mush a team ofhuskies.

For details call 01865-265200 or visit www.transun.co.uk● NOVOTEL IS offering savings of up to 40% on summer stays,

with rooms from £49 per night including breakfast. Hotelsare located in central city locations, including London,Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol andSouthampton. For details see www.novotel.com

● INNTRAVEL HAS added a new slow short cycling break toNormandy for this year. Flavours of Normandy: Apples,Cream & Calvados follows gentle cycling routes throughpicturesque countryside and between two hotels. Highlightsinclude cycling in the verdant Risle Valley; a detour to PontAudemer, where medieval houses lean at alarming anglesover the narrow streets and canals; and the medieval villageof Harcourt, which claims to have France’s oldestarboretum, complete with more than 200 species. Priceslead in at £465 per person, based on two sharing, includingthree nights' half board accommodation, Channel crossings,luggage transfers, cycle hire and route notes.

For details call 01653-617000 or see www.inntravel.co.uk● MERCURE HOTELS is offering savings of up to 30% off a

night's bed-and-breakfast accommodation, with pricesstarting from £52 per night. On arrival guests will also beoffered a complimentary glass of Pimms.

For more information visit www.mercure.com

INTREPID HAS launched a new ShortBreak Adventures brochure, which offersholidaymakers 'a little bit of adventure'on trips lasting two to five days.

The company's range of more than100 short breaks are sold without flights,

which means they can be taken as anadd-on to a longer holiday, combined tocreate a tailor-made holiday, or taken asa short break in their own right.

As an example of prices, a five-dayHighlights of India option leads in at

£225 per person and explores the sights,smells, sounds and delights of Old Delhi,the Taj Mahal and pink palaces of Jaipur,and includes time to catch a Bollywoodfilm, taste local dishes and shop atvibrant markets.

Intrepid issues Short Break Adventures brochure with more than 100 options



Can you imagine using Wi-fi in the forest while picking blueberries? Or strolling around the cobbled

streets of a fairy tale city surrounded bytop restaurants and stylish bars?Surprised? The Baltic countries arewonderful gateways full of history,culture and natural delights, yetsurprisingly technologically advanced.

Despite being a popular touristdestination, many UK visitors knowrelatively little about Estonia, Latvia andLithuania. But I believe there is nothingmore exciting than being able to sell adestination to a client, who has almostno prior knowledge of it, and then be onthe receiving end of their grateful andunique experience on their return.

The evolution of the statesSince the fall of the iron curtain, thechanges that took place in these threecountries were phenomenal and rapid.The Baltic countries soon achieved amodern way of life with standards akinto neighbouring Scandinavia. The questfor a good domestic lifestyle has led to ahigh quality of tourism infrastructure,yet at affordable prices, which nowallows visitors to enjoy holidayopportunities to the Baltics withoutbreaking the bank.

Today the average visitor from UK toEstonia tends to be a fairly well-offfrequent traveller, who takes at leasttwo or three short trips a year. Visitorsnow can choose to visit one, two or eventhree countries in the same trip. Oncepart of the same overall state, travellersto Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can nowclearly see the differences inarchitecture, language, culture, religionand style. And guests will find modernsocieties where Internet banking and e-commerce are commonplace, wherepayment by credit card is a part ofeveryday life, where voting in elections

takes place online and even car parkingis done by mobile phone.

Crossing bordersWithout border or currency restrictions,the ability to move through three suchdistinct countries is a clear advantagefor tourists, travelling from the medievalTallinn to the art nouveau Riga andending in the baroque Vilnius andenjoying breath-taking scenery en-route.

As in many destinations, tourism inthe Baltic countries is largely focused onthe capitals, although ecotourism andrural holidays have increasedsignificantly in recent years with a wideoffer of summer cottages, natural parks,beach resorts, islands and culturalheritage. From walking on boardwalksin forest bogs to holidaying in smallwooden cabins near a tranquil lake,tourists make the most of the abundantnatural landscapes, which make upmore than half of each of the threeBaltic countries.

Touring the Baltic Capitals is not anew concept, but twin-city-breaks arebecoming popular for those with lesstime on their hands, while at the sametime wanting to see more.

Time out in TallinnTallinn, the capital of Estonia, is theoldest capital in the region and itslocation allows it to be combined withseveral two-city choices. For example,Tallinn and Stockholm with an overnightferry in-between, Tallinn and Riga byflight or coach, Tallinn and Helsinki by atwo-hour ferry one-way or Tallinn andSt. Petersburg by train or coach.

The highlight of a visit to Tallinn istaking a walk in the medieval old town, aUNESCO Heritage site. Or guests canventure further afield and take a tour tothe Pirita district, the site of the yachtingevents for 1980’s Moscow Olympics, or

to Rocca al Mare Open Air Museumwhere guests will find reconstructions oftraditional Estonian villages.

Within an easy walk or tram ride ofthe Old Town, Tallinn, visitors can enjoythe calm and tranquility of KadriorgPark with its parks, gardens and artmuseum.Those interested in recenthistory might enjoy a Soviet legacythemed tour, or take a step back in timeto the unspoiled Lahemaa NationalPark, offering a glimpse of the Baltic-German manor houses and history,traditional Estonian seaside and fishingvillages with their taverns anduntouched nature.

Opera is relatively inexpensive inEstonia, particularly for British visitors,and standards are high. An affordablevisit to the National Opera makes for anenjoyable evening, while daytime spasand shopping or out of town golfprovide distractions for friends andcouples visiting Tallinn.

Christmas is also a wonderful timeto visit Tallinn. The streets are filledwith the scent of ginger, cinnamon andmulled wine. The biggest event of theseason is the Christmas marketthroughout December in Tallinn’s townhall square, described by some as theHans Christian Andersen fairytale inreal life, especially when the first snowarrives.

The uniqueness and similaritiesbetween Estonia, Latvia and Lithuaniawill make every trip a pleasingexperience. For those who have nevervisited the region, they will be positivelysurprised. ✦

For more information [email protected] or seewww.visitestonia.com which includes adedicated agent support sectionfeaturing a selection of photos, videosand downloadable brochures.

balticstates

by ANDRUS NOMM, Estonia’s UK director of tourism

Encourage clients to get

the most from the Baltics

with multi-centre breaks

S05 TB2707 Baltic States_Layout 1 25/07/2012 12:40 Page 24

VOYAGES OF Discovery is highlighting its Timeless Balticcruise, which calls at Denmark, Russia and Poland.

The 15-day itinerary explores monarchies, grandpalaces and war history. Highlights include three nights inSt Petersburg with a musical performance at theHermitage Museum and an excursion to Berlin to uncoverthe history of the Berlin Wall.

Guests will be accompanied by guest speaker, HughBicheno, a military historian and Greg Neale, foundingeditor of BBC History Magazine, who will bring the cruise tolife with stories relevant to each of the ports.

Prices lead in at £1,119 per person and include 15 days’

accommodation,gratuities, servicecharges andport/airport taxes,a comprehensiveguest speakerprogramme andall meals andentertainment on-board. The price is based on a September 3 departure. For more information or to book call 0844-822 0820 or visitwww.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

balticstates


GREAT RAIL Journeys reports that it still has availability on its Baltic Explorer tour, which explores the contrasting cultures of the region -from Scandinavia to Russia, via Latvia and Estonia. Prices lead in at £3,095 per person and availability is on August 18, September 8 and 15.For details call 01904-521980 or visit www.greatrail.com/uk

SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS is promoting its 14-day Great Baltic Citiestour, which leads in at £1,279 and takes guests to the cities of Vilnius,Riga and Tallinn. Highlights include a visit to the old quarter ofVilnius, a UNESCO world heritage site, the art noveau buildings ofRiga and the 10th century Toompea castle of Tallinn. The priceincludes 13 nights' half-board accommodation, touring itineraryand luxury coach travel. The holiday is also available as a nine-day by air option which includes eight nights' half-boardaccommodation, touring itinerary, flights and transfers.Departures are available from now through to October.For details call 0844-824 6351 or visitwww.shearings.com

Timeless Baltic Cruise from Voyages of Discovery


THE ANNUAL Riga City Festival takes place from August 17-19 this year and is the main annualevent in the city featuring a mix of musical, artistic, theatrical and dance performances, sportsevents and attractions. Various events are held in the streets and squares of Riga, on the waterand in the air, in museums, concert halls and cultural centres.For details visit www.liveriga.com

Regent sees 20% increasein Baltic Capitals tourREGENT HOLIDAYS reports a 20%increase in sales of its Baltic Capitalstour, which combines Vilnius, Rigaand Tallinn.

The company's product manager,Andrea Godfrey, said: "The tour offersthree different hotel categories to suitevery budget and it is also possible tovary the types of hotels on your trip. Wefind that many clients tend to upgradeto four-star hotels in all cities.”

Another popular tour is Highlightsof the Baltic Coast, which combinespopular beach resorts in Lithuania,Latvia and Estonia and leads in at£935 per person.

INTOURISTUK IS offering the chanceto upgrade from three-staraccommodation to four- or five-staroptions on its Classic Baltics tour for£50, offering a saving of 63%.

Prices start at £617 for the eight-day four-/five-star option excludingflights, which can be added from£994 per person.

As examples, clients travelling toRiga can upgrade from the three-star

Hanza Hotel to the four-star EuropaRoyale Hotel for three nights; inVilnius clients can upgrade from thethree-star Panorama Hotel to the five-star Radisson BLU Hotel for twonights; and in Tallinn clients can optfor the four-star Nordic Forum Hotelfor two nights from the three-starMetropol Hotel.

The offer is valid on all remaining2012 departures of the eight-day

Classic Baltics tour, subject toavailability. Remaining departuresinclude August 4, 11 and 18 andSeptember 8 and 22.

The operator is also rewardingagents making bookings with £10worth of Love2Shop vouchers.For more information or to book call0844-875 4026, [email protected] or visitwww.intouristuk.com

balticstates


»visitestonia.comFind out more about the most surprising and fastest growing destination in Europe on

or e-mail [email protected]

Intourist offers savings on upgrades across range of accommodation

CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering twoopportunities for guests to take its Baltic Cities & St.Petersburg cruise. Prices have been reduced and now lead inat £599 per person for 12 nights (or £50 per person per night).

Marco Polo departs Tilbury on July 30 and Ocean Countessdeparts from Liverpool on August 13.

The Marco Polo cruises through the 98km Kiel Canal on theway to visit Tallinn, Estonia. The highlight of the cruise is twodays in St. Petersburg where a range of optional excursionsincludes the Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, Peterhofand St Isaac’s Cathedral. An evening trip to the ballet is alsoincluded. The cruise also takes in the cities of Helsinki,Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo before returning to the UK.

Ocean Countess sails from Liverpool to Oslo, Copenhagenand Helsinki before spending a day in St. Petersburg, where afull programme of optional excursions is offered. Other ports ofcall include Tallinn and Stockholm. On the way back to the UKguests will transit the Kiel Canal on the journey to Hull wherethe cruise terminates. Coach transfers to Liverpool areavailable at £25 per person.

Prices are per person and are based on two sharing aninner cabin on a full board basis with afternoon tea andentertainment. A fuel supplement of £5 per person per nightapplies to the cruises. For more information visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

CMV reduces prices for Baltic Cities & St. Petersburg cruise


W ITH HUNDREDS and thousands of agents throughout the UK and a

glut of messages pervading the travelindustry the big question is, how doesa tour operator reach its targetaudience? And importantly too, howdo agents glean the requisiteknowledge which will set them apartfrom their competitors?

Now in its 30th year, SATOA hasbecome an expert at providing aunique and rewarding experience foragents, tour operators, hoteliers andairlines.

In the absence of fam trips, whichalthough are seemingly widelyavailable, sometimes seem very muchabsent for new and enterprisingagents, SATOA provides a platform foragents to gain targeted knowledge of

hotels, airlines and destinations.Importantly SATOA travel agent eventsteach ‘How to Sell’ the respectiveproperties, destinations and airlinesbecause agents sell products theyknow and product knowledgeunderpins all branding.

Feedback post the SATOA travelagent evenings has been exceptionallypositive, as related by Caroline whosaid: “Thank you so much - therunning of the night was excellent andvery interactive which is fantastic. Itwas fun and that’s what TA’s alwaysremember; a fun night where they arelearning without feeling the pressure.Thank you for your great organisation.”

Agents interested in attending canmake a note of the next threeworkshops: Berkshire on October 9,Manchester on October 10 and London

on December 10. Additionally there are three

upcoming tour operator dinners -Yorkshire on September 19, Cheshireon October 11 and Glasgow onNovember 28.

SATOA is committed to promotingAfrica and the Indian Ocean via itsmany mediums and aims to giveagents and operators alike anopportunity to network, shareknowledge and engender growth viaits travel agent evenings, tour operatordinners, dedicated website and awardsevening, which this year takes place onSeptember 12. ✦

For more information - join us at ourevents or on Facebook viawww.facebook.com/satoauk or visitwww.satoa.co.uk

by JUANITA COLLINS, SATOA

How SATOAhelps agents gaintargeted knowledge


southernafricaSATOA’s tour operatordinner in Beaconsfield

S06 TB2707 Southern Africa_Layout 1 25/07/2012 13:05 Page 27



southernafrica

TSOGO SUN’s latest edition, 54 onBath Hotel in Rosebank, is now openfor business. The deluxe boutiquehotel features 60 guestrooms, 12executive rooms and focuses onproviding a unique guest experience,combined with a personalisedapproach and attention to detail.

Late last year the company addedthe Rosebank to its portfolio throughthe acquisition of the Grace Hotelproperty and office buildings.Following extensive research to

determine facilities preferred bydiscerning business and leisuretravellers to Rosebank and surrounds,the company adopted the address ofthe property as the name of the newdeluxe boutique hotel, 54 on Bath.

The hotel offers easy access todesigner shops, boutiques andentertainment facilities at theRosebank Mall through the hotel’slink from the second floor.

The company's managing director,Graham Wood, said: “We are excited

about this new unique offering. 54 onBath promises a distinctive guestexperience with exceptional attentionto detail in an intimate, vibrant andenergetic environment. An offeringthat assures that the diverse needs ofthe discerning business and leisuretraveller will be fulfilled. As a TsogoSun hotel, 54 on Bath will benefitfrom the groups’ investment strategy,guaranteeing that it will remaininnovative and unique in years tocome.”

Tsogo Sun announces latest property addition is open for business

AFRICAN PRIDE reports that one area where it is seeing a steady growth is the Eastern Cape of SouthAfrica. The company's sales manager, David Holland, said: “No longer just considered an add-on toCape Town and the Garden Route, we are getting repeat clients who are spending time exploring whatthis area has to offer. Culture, history, breathtaking scenery, endless beaches and even extremesports combine with the world-famous and malaria-free game reserves to make for a spectacularholiday.” A week's self-drive holiday including three nights at Kariega Game Reserve (pictured) andfour nights on the Wild Coast at Umngazi in October costs from £2,188 per person.For details call 01904-619428 or visit www.african-pride.co.uk

New routes fromAir Namibia

AIR NAMIBIA has launchedtwo additional routes -Windhoek to Harare andGaborone and Frankfurt -Windhoek service, whichbecame a daily serviceearlier this year.

The carrier has alsoboosted its connectionsfrom the UK and nowoffers feeder flights fromGlasgow, Edinburgh,Aberdeen, Manchester andNewcastle via its strategicpartner British Airways.For more information call0870-774 0965 or [email protected]

KENYA AIRWAYS has confirmed it will seek to expand itsdominance in Africa with the launch of a handful of newroutes.

The carrier is planning moves into Lamu and Eldoret,both in Kenya, as well as Kilimanjaro on Tanzania’snorthern tourist circuit, Malakal in South Sudan,Mauritius and Cape Town.

Other routes include Beirut, Lebanon and the recentlyopened direct flights to New Delhi in India.

Kenya Airways expands East African presence

Taj Resorts adds Moods of CapeTown package from £741 per personTAJ CAPE Town has launched a Moods of Cape Townpackage which starts from approximately £741 and givesguests the opportunity to take in the top five sights inthe city. Available until September, the five-nightpackage includes tickets to Table Mountain, a tour ofThe Cape Peninsula, a trip to the waterfront aquarium,museum passes and a wine-lovers wine tour of theConstantia Valley.

The price is based on double occupancy on a bed-and-breakfast basis and includes transfers.

A minimum stay of five nights applies.

NTB launches new campaign THE NAMIBIA Tourism Board has announced that thisSeptember sees the launch of a new campaign that highlightsthe diverse Cultures of Namibia and its effect on the socialstructures, wildlife and the region as a tourist destination.

The campaign will be aimed at raising awareness of thevarious indigenous peoples of Namibia and their struggleto preserve both their way of life and natural habitat.

The campaign also includes booking incentives for agents,along with fam trip places and a prize holiday for two.

August offers from Africa CollectionAFRICA COLLECTION is offering new deals for next monthincluding a ten-night break to Kenya and Zanzibar for£2,249 per person. The deal includes flights from Heathrowwith Kenya Airways; road and air transfers to the Marafrom Nairobi; three nights at Il Keliani Camp, Masai Maraon full board, including activities; transfers in Zanzibar;and seven nights' breakfast stay at The Z Hotel, Zanzibar.

The deal applies to travel between October 15 andDecember 15 and is based on two adults sharing, subject toavailability at the time of booking.For more information call 01403-256655 or seewww.africacollection.com


GREAT PLAINS Conservation is to open Selinda ExplorersCamp on August 15, located in the Selinda Reserve.

The property features four tents and will be a newconcept camp for Botswana. The exclusive-use camp,located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, is notchargeable per camp, but chargeable per person, up to amaximum of eight people. A separate guide's tent isavailable for those bringing a private guide.

The camp is designed in the style of the earlyexplorers, with Campaign-style furniture, decanters ofCognac, Persian rugs, flush toilets and bucket showers.

In balance with the wild location of this camp (about anhour’s game drive west of Selinda airstrip) the camp is

ecologically sensitive with 100% solar power, grey watertreatment, bore-hole water for drinking, and activitiesthat concentrate on getting back to nature: guidedwalking and canoeing being a focus by day, while nightgame drives are also available to explore the easternreaches of the Selinda Reserve, where herds of elephantsand buffalo, lion, wild dog, sable and roan antelope areall frequently spotted.

The new camp is ideal for small groups and families, orfor couples or single travellers looking for total exclusivity.

Prices lead in at US$368 per person in low season and$545 in peak season, for a minimum of four people.For details visit www.greatplainsconservation.com

Great Plains Conservation opens new concept camp next month in Botswana


southernafrica

ACCORDING TO Acacia Africa salesthroughout Sub-Saharan African arestarting to pick up and South Africa isnow being viewed as the country towatch.

The operator's project anddevelopment manager, Leanne Haigh,said: “Last year was a difficult year forthe travel industry as a whole, butthere’s been a huge turn around whenit comes to bookings. Since February,month-on-month sales haveoutstripped last year's figures andwhile consumers remain cautious,there’s a greater demand for our toursacross the board.

"In particular our longer overlandtours such as the 58-day UltimateAfrican Overlander and small group

safaris, especially with reference toSouth Africa are selling well.

“It’s not just about deals. People arelooking for value for money in theirchosen destination and the Britishpound has strengthened against theSouth African rand.”

The operator claims that this is oneof the main reasons for the country’scontinuing popularity, but theadventure specialist also believes thatpositive currency conversions are not aquick fix, and product offering is key.

Haigh said: “Consumers arebecoming more adventurous and whilethe Kruger National Park and CapeTown are major draw cards for SouthAfrica, it’s the country’s best keptsecrets and up and coming provinces,

for example KwaZulu-Natal, that willkeep sales bouyant. It’s aboutexciting the consumer, the researchand development phase playing adefining role in the growth of sales inSouth Africa, and across the Sub-Saharan region.”

As an example of prices, a seven-dayKruger, Swaziland & Durban smallgroup safari, leads in at £525 perperson plus a local payment of £267and includes game drives in SouthAfrica’s Hluhluwe National Park, aZulu village visit, a St Lucia river cruiseand nature trekking in Swaziland’sMlilwane Wild Life Sanctuary. For details call 020-7706 4700, [email protected] or see www.acacia-africa.com

Acacia Africa sees upturn in sales to Sub-Saharan Africa

Selinda Explorers Camp



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COX & Kings has announced that it is to reintroduceescorted group tours and tailor-made travel toZimbabwe this summer.

The operator's 11-day Best of the West fly/safari leadsin at £3,425 per person and is designed to give a flavourof Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.

The tour begins in Bulawayo, the historic 'city ofkings', home to well preserved Victorian architectureand many of the country's major museum collections.Safari drives are also included in Matabo Hills NationalPark, where black rhinos can be tracked on foot andHwange National Park, famous for its huge herds ofelephants. The tour ends at Victoria Falls.

Alternatively, a Grand Tour of Zimbabwe is a 13-dayjourney with a personal driver/guide and costs from£6,995 per person. The price includes three nights inHwange National Park, the country's largest wildlife

reserve, and two nights at the Victoria Falls.All prices include flights via Johannesburg with

British Airways, guided excursions and safari drives,transfers and breakfast accommodation based on twosharing, plus other meals as specified.

The company's Africa product manager, LouiseStanion, said: "Zimbabwe offers one of the mostcomprehensive and varied African safari experiences onthe continent. We have chosen to work with partnerswho help their local communities and ensure that thevast majority of the money earned from tourism goesinto the hands of the people who really need it. The localZimbabweans are thrilled to see tourists back in theircountry. Expect to be welcomed with genuine smiles andhospitality."For more information or to book call 0844-264 0262 orsee www.coxandkings.co.uk

HAYES & Jarvis has expanded its South African safariprogramme in its new Worldwide brochure with theaddition of the luxury Thornybush Game Reserve, which isdesigned to fill a gap in the luxury market with the offer ofmore keenly-priced five-star safari accommodation.

Prices start from £303 per person per night, whichincludes full board accommodation and all game drives.

The company's head of product, Andrea Loddo, said:“The Kruger National Park is always heavily in demandwhich means that prices for stays in this sought afterregion can be very high. However, the introduction of theThornybush Game Reserve to the Worldwide brochure givesagents the benefit of selling a competitively priced property

which offers a good range of flexible accommodation that issuitable for both couples and families.”

The operator has also added to its Cape Town andFranschhoek hotel programme, highlightingaccommodation that has proven to be a bestseller and thatis expected to remain a popular choice withholidaymakers. In its new format brochure, the company ispromoting stays at the contemporary four-star ProteaHotel Victoria Junction Waterfront, which is close to thetrendy Cape Quarter, with prices starting from £65 perperson per night.For details call 0871-200 2211 or visitwww.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

GERMAN LEISURE carrier Condor has added Cape Townto its winter 2012/13 flight programme. Non-stop flightsfrom Frankfurt will be available from November 3, onTuesdays and Saturdays, with return flights onWednesdays and Sundays.

Bookings can now be made for the Boeing 767-300flights.

Meanwhile, other new destinations being introduced tothe carrier's winter 2012/13 flight plan include Rio deJaneiro in Brazil, Rangun in Myanmar, Siem Reap inCambodia and the Cape Verde islands of Sal and Boa

Vista.The airline's sales vice president, Achim Lameyer,

said: "As Germany's most popular leisure carrier, wewant passengers we take on vacation to get theirmoney's worth. South Africa is extremely popular as avacation destination and belongs in Condor's flight plan."

Flights from Frankfurt to Cape Town are available from€377.99 one-way in Economy Class, €577.99 in PremiumEconomy and €1,487.99 in Comfort Class.For more information visit www.condor.com or call 01805-767757.

Sun International announces new opening in Johannesburg

THE GRAYSTON is a new, luxury business hotel in theheart of Sandton, the Johannesburg business hub, set toopen in December by Sun International.

Highlights of the new property include privateseminar rooms with walls that delegates can write on, agentlemens' barber and Africology spa treatmentsspecifically for business travellers.

The four-star deluxe hotel will also offer 276guestrooms with free Wi-fi access, a conference centrefor more than 1,000 people, swimming pool, outdoorterraces for dining and drinks and a free shuttle serviceto Sandton Gautrain and Sandton City.

2BY2 HOLIDAYS is offering a nine-night four-star Cape Townsafari from £1,795 per person, including flights with SouthAfrican Airways from Heathrow.

The safari takes place in the malaria-free Pilanesberg GameReserve and is combined with a luxury hotel on the Victoria &Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. All transfers and game drivesare included and teens and children that share with theirparents stay free, only paying for meals and game drives.

Meanwhile, the latest new product from the operator is anine-night five-star Zimbabwe holiday, which visits Bulawayo,Hwange and Victoria Falls.

Prices lead in at £1,995 per person including flights withSouth African Airways from Heathrow.

Condor introduces two weekly flights to Cape Town for winter 2012/13

Nine-night Cape Town offer from 2by2

Cox & Kings launches new range of Zimbabwe itineraries

Hayes & Jarvis strengthens safari programme in Worldwide brochure


We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What's your favouritecity in the world?

Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661

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Publisher: Jeanette [email protected]

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] - the scenery, the wildlife, the people, the lifestyle,the weather...

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] Francisco - you just don't need a car to reach thefabulous diversity of the place, its people, culture,history...I could go on, but that's called a feature

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Crossword:Across: 1. DFDS, 3. IDOWU, 8. NICARAGUA, 9. YUAN, 10. XIAN, 12. SUEZ, 13. ALAN, 16. LANCASTER, 17. GIGGS, 18. ISIS. Down:1. DANNY BOYLE, 2. DENIA, 4. DARWIN, 5. WIGAN, 6. ACE, 7. EASTENDERS, 11. PENANG, 12. SINAI, 14. LORDS, 15. ATM.

Highlighted Word: FINLAND

Travagrams: (top) Airtours Holidays (bottom) Melbourne

Where Am I?: Portsmouth

puzzlesolutions


New nine-day golf safari from Rovos RailROVOS RAIL has designed a nine-day golf safari that departs onOctober 10 and November 28. The itinerary starts in Pretoria and travelseast towards the Drakensberg escarpment en route to Nelspruit.

Guests can play at Leopard Creek Country Club or take a gamedrive in Kruger Park followed by lunch. Highlights include golf at theRoyal Swazi Golf Club, near Manzini in Swaziland (non-golfers visitthe Ngwenya Glass Factory); lunch at Guava Galleries followed by agame drive in the Mkhaya Game Reserve; a visit to Zululand for gameviewing in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve; and a game of golf at theDurban Beachwood Country Club. Non-playing guests can take a citytour followed by lunch at the Golf Club.

ADVENTURER AND presenter Charley Boorman explored Kruger National Park withIntrepid Travel this month, for a new series of Extreme Frontiers which will air on Channel5 later this year. Boorman and his film crew spent three days traversing the Lebombo Eco-Trail in four-wheel drive vehicles for a 'wilderness experience on wheels'. The companyoffers more than 40 different trips in South Africa, from Urban Adventure day toursthrough to a 20-week overland adventure. Its best-selling tours in South Africa are thefour-day Kruger Experience with lodge accommodation which starts at £513 per personand the four-day Kruger Express with campsite accommodation which starts at £395.

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Travel Bulletin 27th July 2012

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