NOW ON SALE - Travel Bulletin

Transcription

TB0506 2015 Cover Wrap_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:56 Page 2
June 5 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,922 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk
2016 VIKING RIVER CRUISES
NOW ON SALE
Award-winning Viking River Cruises has the best mix
for you and your customers
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TB0506 2015 Cover Wrap_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:56 Page 3
Your recipe for success
As the world’s leading river cruise line, we are thrilled to bring you the very best river
cruises, on the very best ships. Across Europe, Russia and Asia, we offer a fantastic
choice of itineraries as well as exceptional accommodation, fabulous food, superb
service and, of course, great value for money.
Viking has the perfect mix:
• One award-winning 2016 Viking river cruise
• Free regional flights from up to 14 UK airports
• A guaranteed saving of £1,000pp if booked by 30 June 2015
• Prices from only £895pp
2016 RIVER CRUISES NOW ON SALE
Here is a selection of our 2016 cruises to tickle your tastebuds. Many more are available in the brochure.
Romantic Danube
Imperial Jewels of China
Rhine Discovery
8 days, 6 guided tours | Mar – Dec 2016
Nuremberg | Passau | Vienna | Budapest
14 days, 11 guided tours | Feb – Nov 2016
Beijing | Xian | Three Gorges | Shanghai
8 days, 6 guided tours | Mar – Dec 2016
Amsterdam | Cologne | Strasbourg | Basel
Stateroom from
Veranda from
Stateroom from
French Balcony from
Veranda from
£995
£1,595
£2,195
French Balcony from
Veranda from
£895 £1,395 £1,995
pp
pp
pp
Junior Suite from
Suite from
£2,095 £3,095 £3,695
pp
pp
pp
pp
pp
pp
ENJOY IT ALL, IT’S ALL INCLUDED
Return scheduled flights from the UK
No regional flight supplements from up to
14 UK airports
Spacious ensuite stateroom with a river-view
All on board meals
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch
and dinner on board
Complimentary tea and coffee
Guided shore excursions
Culture Curriculum
Free Wi-Fi
All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers
Viking is a member of ABTA and is ATOL licensed.
Order your 2016 river cruise brochure on trade-gate.co.uk
All prices and offers are subject to change and availability and include booking discounts. From prices are per person and based on
double occupancy. Prices and savings of £1,000pp are valid until 30 June 2015. Single supplements apply. Some itineraries are also
available in the reverse direction. Terms and conditions apply.
www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk
020 8780 7985
TB0506 2015 Cover 02/06/2015 15:57 Page 1
June 5 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,922 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk
Luxury Holidays
Boost profits by getting to
know your clients
this week
agent bulletin 9
a round-up of this
week’s latest agent
booking incentives
11
puzzle bulletin
play Su Doku for your
chance to win a £50
M&S voucher
13
israel
new summer performances
set to entertain visitors
dynamic packaging
keep those add-ons
adding up by promoting
a range of services &
experiences
15
S01 TB0506 2015 Start_Layout 1 03/06/2015 12:30 Page 2
Spot our latest
Worldwide brochure
Coming soon!
worldwide
FROM
DISCOUNTS
Inside you’ll find a variety of
brand-new holidays to incredible
destinations, including Colombia,
Ethiopia, China, Sri Lanka,
Australia and many more!
£50
TO
£400
9
new
per person
2016 COLLECTION
Every holiday starts in style with
our included VIP door-to-door
travel service, and as well as our
unbeatable value there are also
fantastic savings of up to £400
per person! It’s time to discover
something new with Saga…
HOLIDAYS
FOR 2016
VIP
DOOR-TO-DOOR
TRAVEL
SERVICE
on every holiday
Order your brochures from
tradegate.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 2015-DECEMBER 2016
Call our dedicated Trade Sales Team FREE* on 0800 074 8021
or visit saga.co.uk/agents
For general enquiries [email protected]
Find us on Facebook – Saga Holidays Agency Sales
*Charges may apply to calls from mobile phones. Terms and conditions apply. All bookings subject to Saga’s booking conditions. Saga holidays are for anyone aged 50+.
A travel companion may be 40+. For information about financial protection and the ATOL certificate, please visit www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate. NHA-TW0502
newsbulletin
ALL HANDS ON DECK...
Sponsoring a yacht in the TUI Travel and Family Holiday Association Regatta, The Oman Ministry of Tourism invited a crew of nautical challengers
from across the industry to enjoy a day of sailing and participate in some regatta racing fun. Pictured mid-race on the Solent are, from the left:
Peter Burwood and David Parker (sitting), Sunsail; Alison Cryer, Oman Ministry of Tourism; Marcus Bull, Planet Travel Holidays; Paul Rowley,
Oman Air; Erica Van Rooyen, Oman Ministry of Tourism; Yvette Bailey, Thomson; and Angela Guilfoyle, Travel Counsellors.
Prices plunge in Europe’s resorts for holiday self-caterers
This Week
Cover Pictures: Main - Shutterstock Copyright: MJTH
Inset - Riviera Travel
3
news
research reveals holidaymakers increasingly
recognise the importance
of financially protecting
their holiday
9
agent bulletin
11
puzzle bulletin
12
bulletin briefing
13
israel
15
dynamic packaging
21
luxury holidays
a round-up of this week’s
latest agent booking
incentives
play Su Doku for your
chance to win a £50
M&S voucher
news and views from The
Global Travel Group
destination welcomes lineup of international stars
for summer performances
keep those add-ons adding
up with a range of services
& experiences to promote
why getting to know your
clients pays off when
selling luxury
www.travelbulletin.co.uk
HOLIDAY SELF-catering shopping costs have
fallen heavily across much of Europe
according to the latest Post Office Travel
Money Self-Catering on a Shoestring Report,
which reveals that more than one-in-five UK
holidaymakers are planning to make their trip
abroad a self-catering one this summer.
A third of them will do so specifically to
keep meal costs to a minimum and yet more
than half (54%) said they shopped in local
mini-marts rather than larger supermarkets
on their last holiday. If they do so this
summer, they could pay up to 61% extra.
Only 9% of self-caterers take advantage of
the lower prices by doing all their shopping at
a supermarket, but research for Post Office
Travel Money by tour operator Cosmos has
found these to be far cheaper than local minimarts in the ten European destinations
surveyed. The biggest price differential is in
Crete, where Cosmos reps found that minimart shopping for 20 food and drink staples
costs £103.96 instead of £64.64 at a
supermarket. In the Costa del Sol, a minimart shop costs more than 50% extra - £65.24
compared with £43.32 in a supermarket.
Self-caterers spent an average of £130
buying provisions for their last holiday –
although this only applied to three-quarters
(77%) of them because 23% chose to eat out
all the time. However, more than one-in-five
people planning to self-cater this summer are
now doing so because they think the powerful
pound will make their shopping bills cheaper.
Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money,
said: “This year’s report reveals that it’s not
just restaurants and bars that are cutting
costs to attract custom. The same is
happening in shops where there is fierce
competition for business – especially in the
Western Med.
“Self-catering can be a great way to save
money so the shop price falls are great news
for families on a strict budget. However, the
wide variations between prices in resort
convenience stores and bigger supermarkets
make it important to do some homework
before leaving home. While basic staples like
milk, eggs and bread can cost less or only
marginally more in local mini-marts, most
food and drink items will cost a lot more. This
year we found examples of basics like coffee,
tea bags, fruit juice and tomatoes costing over
twice as much in a mini-mart.”
Gary Anslow, sales director for Cosmos
Holidays, said: “Feedback from our
customers through our exclusive Cosmos
Concierge service tell us that self-catering
holidays are as popular as ever, more so this
year because of the great exchange rates
meaning the money in your pocket goes a lot
further. Self-catering as a share of our total
bookings in, for example, the Algarve, has
increased by around 3% year-on-year in
recent years, and we believe that the current
exchange rates will see that trend
continuing.”
Families can visit
www.postoffice.co.uk/selfcateringcosts for
more information.
June 5 2015
3
newsbulletin
Newsbites
AMAZING
AMAZON...
Sunvil Traveller teamed up Avianca Airlines to host six agents on
a fam trip to Ecuador. Pictured exploring the Amazon Basin in
dugout canoes are, from the front left (going clockwise): Chris
Riley, Cambourne Travel, Newport Pagnel; Mildred Sanchez,
Avianca; Will Rist, Sunvil Traveller; Roger Blizard, Richmond
Travel, Solihull; Linda Shotter, Ashdown Travel, Oxted; Sue John,
Sunvil Traveller; Sarah Taylor, Westway Travel, Wickford;
Margaret Rogers, The Travel Wallet, Bridgnorth; and Abbie
Harrington, Nomadic Travel, Exeter.
●
AMADEUS HOTELS and InterContinental Hotels
Group (IHG) have announced that they will jointly
develop a cloud-based guest reservation system for
more than 4,800 properties using a community
model. Amadeus will take responsibility for funding
and maintaining the reservation system, while IHG
will continue to work to evolve and future-proof the
system over time.
●
CLIA EUROPE and Med Cruise have signed a
strategic partnership agreement to collaborate,
sponsor and support the advancement of a European
travel agent training programme.
●
SPICE ISLAND Beach Resort in Grenada has
introduced a new toll-free phone line at 0808-189
0088 to allow agents to contact the resort directly at
no charge.
For details see www.spiceislandbeachresort.com
Discover Holland's hidden treasures with The River Cruise Line
THE RIVER Cruise Line has
released its latest brochure
for departures in 2016,
offering five new itineraries
to Holland, the Rhine,
Belgium and Bavaria.
A highlight of the new
programme is the ‘Captain’s
Choice’ tour, which has been
hand-picked by Captain Wido
Arts, marking 15 years of
service on MPS Lady Anne.
The tour cruises through his
home country of Holland,
and takes visitors beyond the
clichés of Tulips, clogs and
windmills to some of the
less travelled parts of the
country.
Priced from £739 per
person, the eight-day
itinerary departs in June
2016 from Nijmegen, on the
banks of the River Waal,
and cruises to Roermond in
the Dutch Lake District,
where guests can explore
the town or join an optional
excursion to visit the
historic city of Maastricht.
As the tour progresses,
there will be the opportunity
to visit the 17th century
Arcen Castle; the star
shaped walls of Heusden;
Doredrecht, whose 18th and
19th century buildings are
strung along a series of
canals and harbours, before
finishing in Rotterdam.
The new brochure offers
a total of 31 itineraries to 16
countries throughout
Europe as well as a choice
of festive cruises for
Christmas 2015.
The company also now
operates a ‘no discounting’
promise and its price
guarantee sees rates fixed
at 2015 levels for
departures in 2016. All
prices are based on two
adults sharing an en-suite
cabin on a full board basis,
including return travel from
the UK; coach travel to join
the cruise; and
the services of a cruise
manager and director
throughout.
For more information visit
www.rivercruiseline.co.uk or
call 0844-544 7580.
CAA research finds more holidaymakers financially protect their holiday abroad
MORE HOLIDAYMAKERS are financially
protecting their holidays and more
people recognise the ATOL certificate –
these are just two of the headline
findings following the CAA’s latest Pack
Peace of Mind campaign.
Now in its third year, the campaign
aims to improve holidaymakers’
understanding of ATOL as they research
and book their trips abroad. The
campaign was given a fresh look and
approach in 2015, with fun new imagery
created around a family of animated
suitcases and the use of television
advertising for the first time.
4
June 5 2015
The campaign was family-focused and
aimed to encourage households to look
beyond the price and check their air
holiday is ATOL protected before they
book. It stretched across a variety of
media including newspapers, magazines
and social media and was covered on
radio and television news.
Following this year’s campaign, the
CAA commissioned market research
with a representative sample of 1,500
consumers from across all regions parts
of the UK.
Key findings included more people are
taking steps to ensure their holiday
abroad was financially protected against
travel company failure – 71% said they
protected their last holiday, up from 64%
in 2014; more people (83%) are planning
to financially protect their next holiday
abroad, compared with 75% in 2014; and
more people (48%) now feel fairly or very
well informed about the benefits of
booking an ATOL protected holiday - an
increase of 9%.
The ATOL certificate is also becoming
more recognised, with 55% of those
surveyed correctly knowing that they
should receive a certificate once they
have booked an ATOL protected holiday.
S02 TB0506 2015 News 1_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:52 Page 5
newsbulletin
WLH offers series of ‘extreme’ sports
in response to demand from over-50s
WARNER LEISURE Hotels
has launched its summer
series of new ‘extreme’
activities – including
zorbing, paddle boarding
and abseiling – after a third
of the over-50s polled called
for ‘extreme’ sports to be
more accessible to their age
group.
New research from the
company has revealed that
half of the over-50s polled
said they would like to trial
more extreme activities,
while a third called for them
to be more accessible to
their age group.
To meet the demands of
this generation, the
company is introducing
zorbing to its activity
schedule at Cricket St.
Thomas, Somerset this
summer. It will be the first
in a series of activities,
including paddle boarding
and abseiling, to be
launched at a select
number of hotels
throughout the summer as
part of its ‘Living Life on The
Edge’ series.
From July, guests will
have the opportunity to book
themselves onto breaks to
zorb the hills of Somerset at
no additional cost.
Louise Tansey, Bourne
Leisure's national sales
manager, said: "The
research commissioned by
Warner offers agents a
fantastic insight into the
wants and needs of the
Zorbing now features in WLH’s
summer ‘extreme’ activities
over-50s market when it
comes to their holiday
choices. Things have moved
on for this generation and
traditionally the domestic
market has been slow to
keep up. This new
introduction of activities
offers agents the perfect
selling opportunity, allowing
them to easily cater for the
fast paced, activity fuelled
needs of those over-50s
looking for an adrenaline
filled break.”
Impulsive mobile travel bookings on the rise
NEW DATA revealed by LivingSocial
reveal that online consumer behaviour
has shifted considerably with
impulsive travel shoppers,
predominantly on mobile or via apps,
having a significant impact on travel
agents.
The online marketplace has seen
mobile and app purchases for its travel
deals overtake desktop for the first
time.
With many consumers first browsing
social media on mobile devices for
travel inspiration, continued
optimisation of the customer journey
for mobile users has meant that the
majority of travel packages are now
sold via a mobile site or app.
This has been accredited to reducing
the number of steps required to make
a purchase, speedy checkouts with
PayPal and carefully-curated deals for
customers browsing the mobile site or
app instead of exhaustive lists of
destinations, hotels and resorts, which
can often be difficult to read on mobile
devices.
Small platform adjustments can
ensure travel agents capitalise on the
growing trend of impulsive, mobile
shopping for travel products.
https://www.livingsocial.com/gb/
Uniworld launches first designated Christmas Markets brochure for winter
UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE River Cruise Collection has launched
a standalone Christmas Markets brochure featuring five
festive eight-day itineraries exploring the market stalls and
seasonal sights in a selection of Europe’s towns and cities.
The programme allows guests to cruise on the company's
newest flagship vessel, S.S. Maria Theresa, on the Danube
Holiday Markets cruise while the Rhine Holiday Markets
cruise takes place on the S.S. Antoinette.
Another highlight of the programme is the inclusion of
multi-generational departures on the Classic Christmas
Markets in Germany with excursions, menus and facilities
catering for all the family.
Other festive highlights across the programme include the
opportunity to witness a gingerbread-making demonstration
in Passau, a mulled wine-tasting in Durnstein, a visit to the
baroque town hall of Koblenz which is transformed into a
giant Advent Calendar and rambles through Old Town
Vienna, Frankfurt, Strasbourg or Paris on the company's
exclusive 'Taste of Christmas' tours.
Prices for the seven-night cruises start from £1,894 per
person based on two sharing and include all meals and
unlimited beverages on-board, six days of excursions, onboard local entertainment and a cultural enrichment
programme, plus the services of a cruise manager.
For more details call 0808-168 9110 or see
www.uniworldrivercrusies.co.uk
June 5 2015
5
newsbulletin
New 2016/17 brochure from C&M Voyages offers choice of eight British ports
CRUISE & Maritime Voyages has issued
its 2016 cruise brochure featuring a
variety of itineraries and durations
from a choice of eight British ports.
The brochure features all four ships
in the CMV fleet, Marco Polo, Astor,
Astoria (formerly the Azores) and the
latest addition Magellan, and early
booking incentives are available on all
departures for bookings made by July
31, with most on a buy-one-get-one-
free basis, equating to reductions of up
to 50%.
Prices start from £149 per person
for a two-night cruise from Tilbury to
Amsterdam, and the company is also
offering 150 superior grade cabins
available for a 25% supplement for
single travellers.
Also included in the brochure are
details of scenic river cruises under
the CMV Signature River Cruises
brand. Three premium vessels are in
the river cruise fleet - Bellejour,
Belvedere and Bellefleur, offering a
wide range of itineraries including the
Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Saône.
Other highlights of the brochure
include Fjordland cruises from £429
per person and group benefits for 12
adults or more.
For further information visit
www.cruiseandmaritime.tv
New water park
development at
Universal Orlando
PACK YOUR BAGS...Flight Centre hosted an exclusive ‘Suitcase Party’ last week at the Shangri-La
Hotel in The Shard. Organised in partnership with Destination New South Wales and Qantas, the event
welcomed 100 VIP guests and loyal customers to enjoy an evening of glamour complete with a
Champagne reception. As part of the celebrations, those attending were offered the chance to win a
holiday to a top-secret, long-haul destination with just one catch - each guest was required to arrive
with their suitcase packed in preparation to jet off that very night. Pictured are one of the winning
couples, Hayley and Stephen Smith (centre) who are pictured with, from the left: Rick Guichelaar,
Qantas; Paul Hawes, NSW; Mick Heitzinger, Flight Centre; and Chris Anderson, Qantas.
Keeping an
i on Apps
s launched
HOTELS ha
,
MARRIOTTquest Chat’ on its app
‘Mobile Re lty programme
where loya n connect before,
members caafter their stay. An
during and lse?’ feature offers a ve
‘Anything E at functionality to ha
two-way ch ns in real time with
conversatio as well as a drophotel hosts, for the most
down menuservices and
requested such as extra towels
amenities,
and pillows.
6
June 5 2015
LUFTHA
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UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Resort has announced
the development of a new
water theme park
experience.
Volcano Bay will join
Universal Studios Florida
and Universal’s Islands of
Adventure to become the
resort’s third immersive
park when it opens in
2017.
ORE
SINGAPS has
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newsbulletin
Contiki launches 2015-17
Latin America programme
CONTIKI HAS revealed its new Latin America programme
featuring the sights, tastes and sounds of Argentina, Belize,
Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands,
Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.
New for 2015-17 is an eight-day Ultimate Inca trip in Peru, a
flexible itinerary including a four-day trek enabling travellers
to take in the famous Inca Trail together as a group.
Due to the high demand and limited amount of Inca Trail
permits issued per day, the company has built in the option to
alternate the schedule, so while the hike’s departure date may
vary, the experiences and inclusions on the trip won’t.
Early payment discounts of up to 10% are available for
travellers who book and pay in full on or before July 16 for
bookings travelling on or after October 31.
For more information visit www.contiki.com
SPECIAL OFFERS
Solos Holidays adds new trips to worldwide
portfolio for sociable singles
SOLOS HOLIDAYS has added more than 40 new itineraries
to its worldwide programme of short breaks and longer
trips. Covering departures until April 2016, the latest
brochure encompasses European city stays, escorted tours
and an array of active options, as well as a ‘fly-and-flop’
sun and cruise selection.
As an example of prices, a three-night stay at the threestar Hotel Eduardo VII in Lisbon costs from £469. It
includes flights from Heathrow, transfers, breakfast
accommodation in a twin or double room for single use,
one dinner, a half-day guided city tour and a tour leader.
For more information call 0844-371 8860 or visit
www.solosholidays.co.uk
REETHI BEACH RESORT MALDIVES
EXCLUSIVE O&E TRAVEL TRADE OFFER!!!
Reethi Villa on BB basis for 6 Nights
with Return Domestic Flight + Boat Transfers
From £ 299 per person
Valid for various periods from now through to end of the 2015
CLIA UK & Ireland relaunches agent
website to offer new training resources
CLIA UK & Ireland is relaunching its travel agent website
as figures show that more users than ever before are
visiting the site for the dedicated online cruise training and
its unique resources.
More than 6,500 users completed 27,000 online modules
in the past year.
Recognising the changing way in which travel agents
visit the website, cruiseexperts.org will become fully
compatible for users on mobiles and tablets for the first
time. In addition, the site will be organised into three
distinct areas. The Learning Academy will continue to
provide City & Guilds accredited training modules together
with a resource centre containing reports and statistics.
The new Cruise Tool Box will feature resources to assist
agents during the sales process including the unique
digital brochure rack, a complete guide to all ocean and
river cruise ships; specially created CLIA factsheets; a fully
updated cruise search engine and CLIA Destination Guides.
The third area is the new CLIA Cruise Daily which will
feature the latest cruise news and special guest columns;
live and recorded webinars; a calendar of cruise industry
events open to travel agents; an image library; and TV and
sales guides.
Cruiseexperts.org will be relaunched early this month.
RONIL ROYALE GOA, INDIA
FANTASTIC OFFER!
7 Nights from £59 per person based on Bed & Breakfast
Extra Nights £8 per person per night
Valid for stays between 01 Oct 15 – 30 Apr 16
MORE EXCLUSIVE DEALS FORTRAVELTRADE
PERSONNEL ONLYVISIT OUR WEBSITE
FOR MORE INFORMATION
SRI LANKA - MAURITIUS - SEYCHELLES - INDIA - UAE
Over 150 hotels and a selection of tours available on our website
Including exclusive offers for Summer 2015 and Winter 2015/16
www.osborneandebel.com
All above offers are subject to availability.
Terms & Conditions Apply
newsbulletin
Red Funnel announces passenger
shipbuilding is to return to Isle of Wight
RED FUNNEL has confirmed
that it is bringing fast ferry
construction back to the UK
with the announcement that
its new passenger ferry Red
Jet 6 will be built in East
Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
After receiving tenders
from shipyards around the
world, the company has
placed an order for a 40m
high-speed catamaran with
Shemara Refit LLP for
delivery in summer 2016.
Costing £6m, Red Jet 6 will
be the first vessel of her kind
to be built in the UK for 15
years.
Kevin George, the line's
CEO, said: "Red Jet 6 will
serve the Isle of Wight for
many years and we believe
that it is important for as
many young Islanders to be
involved as possible. We will
be inviting local schools to
participate in mini projects
and will be seeking to
develop our existing support
with the Royal Yacht
Squadron Isle of Wight
Foundation to ensure
apprenticeship opportunities
are open to young Islanders.
In the competitive world of
ship building, it is fantastic
news that Red Jet 6 will be
built for the Isle of Wight, on
the Isle of Wight, by the Isle
of Wight.”
The new vessel will be
configured to carry 275
passengers, who will
experience a quiet, spacious
and well-lit cabin fitted with
leather seats and a
sophisticated air-handling
system designed to dry, cool
or warm the air
automatically. A new high
bandwidth ship-to-shore WiFi system has been specified
which will be free for
customers and the latest
travel information system
will be installed to show
connecting services for
buses, coaches, trains and
flights in real-time. Provision
has also been made to carry
22 bicycles.
Red Funnel is also inviting
its customers and members
of the public to submit their
ideas and suggestions for
features they would like to
see fitted or introduced on
Red Jet 6. Some of the more
challenging ideas will be
given to local students to try
and develop practical
solutions.
For more information see
www.redfunnel.co.uk/redjet6
CHOC FULL OF JOY...Newly-appointed cruisingexcursions.com
managing director Damien Mooney and chief operating officer
Simonne Fairbanks mark the company’s fourth anniversary. A choice
of around 12,000 excursions at more than 700 ports worldwide are
offered by the company, which marked its birthday in a joint
celebration with the American Queen Steamboat Company's launch of
its 2016 programme of cruises on the Mississippi, Cumberland and
Ohio rivers.
Details at www.lightbluetravel.co.uk and
www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com
Newsbites
●
LIVERPOOL WILL celebrate its rich Irish culture and
heritage through an evening of live music and dance as
part of the new summer festival Liverpool Loves from
August 6. The event will be staged at Pier Head Liverpool
in a bespoke Big Top venue, put in place on the city’s
UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront especially for the
three-day festival. Tickets are £22.50 and are available
from www.ticketquarter.co.uk or by calling 0844-800
0410. For details see www.liverpoolloves.co.uk
●
MUSIC LOVERS can now pitch their tent at one of the
North East’s leading festivals. Hardwick Live 2015, which
returns on Saturday August 22, is being headlined by
James, with appearances by a host of top British names,
including Razorlight, Embrace, Cast and 10cc. As well as
three stages of live music and attractions for all ages, the
one-day festival is also offering visitors the opportunity
to extend their stay, with a range of weekend
accommodation packages priced from £25. Tickets for
the event cost from £8 for children and £49 for adults.
See www.hardwicklive.co.uk and
www.hardwicklive.co.uk/glamping
●
TENERIFE’S SANTA Cruz has been confirmed as the host
venue for Seatrade Cruise Med 2016, the largest cruise
industry event focusing on the Mediterranean and its
adjoining seas. The three-day event takes place from
September 21-23, 2016 at the International Trade Fair
and Congress Centre.
●
RANCH RIDER is currently covering South Africa and
Namibia on a self-drive itinerary to the African continent
and the company is advising agents to watch out for
regular updates on its blog.
For details call 01509-618 811 or see
www.ranchrider.com
NEWPORT NEWBIES...
Thomas Cook Tours recently hosted a group of Thomas Cook and
The Co-operative Travel agents on a four-day fam trip to New
England as a reward for bookings made earlier this year. Pictured
enjoying the sights of Newport, Rhode Island are, from the left:
Joanne Sherratt, Thomas Cook Macclesfield; Amanda Lockett,
Thomas Cook Sandbach; Desislava Zhecheva, Thomas Cook
Aberdeen and Nicola Holford, Thomas Cook Worksop.
8
June 5 2015
agentbulletin
Booking incentives
●
AGENTS WHO make confirmed Silversea
bookings by June 7 will be entered into a
draw to win a Mediterranean cruise on
Silver Spirit in November.
For details see email
[email protected]
●
AGENTS CAN earn free stays for
themselves and a partner when booking
with Cyplon Holidays. As an example, for
each seven-night booking made, agents
will receive a free one-night breakfast stay
for two at the five-star Elounda Beach
Hotel & Villas in Crete. The company is also
giving agents the chance to earn £10 per
adult on any seven-night Silver or Gold
package holiday booked to either Cyprus,
Greece, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan or
Israel. Hotel-only bookings, based on two
sharing a Silver or Gold hotel for seven
nights, earn agents £10 per booking.
Details on 020-8340 7612 or email
[email protected]
●
AGENCIES CAN win a £250 food voucher to
fill the staff fridge with food, ice cream and
drinks ready for the summer by booking
any Titan holiday this month. Agents should
email their booking reference to
[email protected] before
17:00 on Friday July 3.
See www.titanagents.co.uk for details.
●
COSMOS HOLIDAYS and Avro are offering
agents the chance to win flights to Florida
on October 10 for two weeks. For a chance
to win, agents need to book either a
Florida package or flight-only for their
clients by July 31.
For details see www.cosmosagents.co.uk
or www.avroagents.co.uk
FANCY A FAM?
PROC
OLOMBIA IS giving agents
the chance to win
a place on a fam trip in Feb
ruary 2016, as well as
Avianca flights and a select
ion of Colombian
goodie bags. To be in with
a chance of winning,
agents need to sign up and
pass the four modules
on ProColombia’s training
programme by
September 30. Runners up
will win one of three
return flights from Heathrow
to the Colombian
capital Bogota courtesy of
national carrier
Avianca. Agents completin
g modules by June 30
will be entered into an add
itional prize draw to
win one of ten goodie bags.
HAMPER WIN...Sandals by Funway has revealed the winner of its
Sandals Expert social media competition - Sam Tyers (middle) from
Mercian Travel in Hagley, West Midlands. Sam is presented with a
luxury hamper by Sandals' Neil Read and Funway's Anna Hawkins.
PARIS, BRUSSELS, AMSTERDAM AND
COLOGNE BY HIGH SPEED TRAIN
- Brussels - Cologne from £30 rtn*
- Brussels - Amsterdam from £46 rtn*
- Brussels - Paris from £46 rtn*
- Paris - Cologne from £54 rtn*
- Paris - Amsterdam from £54 rtn*
Book
Eurostar
with us
too
*Based on the cheapest return adult fare in Standard Class
Web: www.voyages-sncf.eu
Call:
0844 848 4066
June 5 2015
9
newsbulletin
MOVERS
Indochina launch from Insider Journeys
INSIDER JOURNEYS has introduced its first newly-branded
comprehensive travel guide to ‘Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos’.
Designed to be a one-stop shop for agents and their
customers, the brochure showcases the operator’s range of
tailor-made itineraries, small group journeys and river cruises
to help travellers plan their trip to Indochina, with a range of
added benefits to help them tour the region as an insider.
New for 2015/16 are more stimulating visuals to inspire
travellers, enhanced content revealing destination highlights
and insider insights that bring the three countries to life , plus
the operator’s full range of touring options.
The brochure’s content is designed to stimulate clients'
imaginations with new sections dedicated to ‘Experiences’,
‘Insider Tips’ and expert recommendations - from ‘top things
to see and do’ and ‘favourite places to drink and dine’ among
others.
The 72-page guide continues to offer practical travel
information which is complemented by personal anecdotes
and new ‘Plan your trip’ pages.
New accommodation options include the four-star Alma
Courtyard Hoi An in Vietnam, sister property to the Fusion
Maia in Danang; and the Nita by Vo Hotel in Siem Reap,
offering views over the Angkor Wat forest.
The operator has also introduced a number of new
excursions including a Siem Reap Countryside Cycling half-day
tour in Cambodia from £31.
JA MA ICA
SA INT L UCIA
ANTIGUA
BAHAM AS
G RE NA D A
●
LONDON HILTON on Park Lane has appointed Sergio
Moreira as director of food and beverage.
● DOUG OLIVER has joined Wizz Air as head of corporate
communications.
● THE CONNAUGHT in Mayfair has appointed Eugene
Leonard as hotel operations manager.
● COSMOS TOURS has appointed Paul Sharp as national
sales manager.
● MARIE MACDONALD has joined The Global Travel Group
as sales and business development manager for the
south region.
● MÖVENPICK HOTELS & Resorts has welcomed two new
key vice presidents to its senior management team Nick Bosworth who takes on the role of vice president
brand & marketing and Petra Götting who joins as vice
president sales & marketing Europe.
● ELODIE SALOM has joined Pierre & Vacances as key
account manager for group sales.
● TUI UK & Ireland has appointed Nick Longman as
managing director.
● CRUISE LINES International Association (CLIA) has
announced Thomas P. Ostebo will join CLIA as president
and CEO, effective July 6.
EVEN LOWER PRICES!
B A RB A D O S
ANTIGUA
SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA
Sunset Bluff Honeymoon
Luxury Club Level Room
7 Nts From
£1,399PP
BARBADOS
SANDALS BARBADOS
Crystal Lagoon
Luxury Room
7 Nts From
£1,499PP
ENJOY TWO OR MORE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS IN ONE HOLIDAY
WITH OUR EXCITING ISLAND HOPPING HOLIDAY COMBINATIONS
4 DAYS
LEFT
TO BOOK THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS
CALL 0844 557 0624 | VISIT SANDALS4AGENTS.CO.UK
Book by 09 Jun ‘15. Terms and conditions apply. Travel agents must quote FUN2FOR1 at the point of booking to take advantage of any offer included within the 2 for 1 sale. Capped commission of 5% applies to all 2 for 1 bookings. 2 for
1 bookings are not eligible for MoneyCard rewards.
Pricing shown is per person based on two people a room/suite for 7 nights on selected dates between 7 - 28 Sep ‘15 (Antigua) or 16 Sep - 13 Oct ‘15 (Barbados) and includes all savings, return ﬂights from London with British Airways or
Virgin Atlantic in economy class, all meals, land and water sports, transfers, tips and taxes. Weekend supplements apply. Prices are subject to availability and are correct at time of distribution. ABTA: V000X / ATOL: 2853 / IATA: 91273442.
puzzlebulletin
Travagrams
Su Doku
Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle
Number: 022
Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?
Dandy Bone
A➠
B➠
African Safari running tours and luxury lodges in
Africa and South Asia. ‘To infinity…’
C➠
Burns Nick
D➠
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the
3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.
Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate
to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name,
company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if
applicable to:
[email protected]
Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 1th. Solution and new puzzle will
appear next week.
The winner for 15th May is Anne Birkett, Dawson &
Sanderson in Northumberland.
May 15 Solution: A=8 B=7 C=1 D=4
Number: 022
Crossword
Capital of the Alps renown for its winter sports and
Golden Roof landmark
Where Am I?
City near Lake Tahoe in Nevada - known as 'The
Biggest Little City in the World'
Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.
1. Low-cost flight provider (4)
3. Historic city in Brittany (5)
7. Character from The Merchant of Venice (7)
8. TV presenter and history buff ___ Snow (3)
9. Capital of Peru (4)
10. Car-free and crowd-free Channel Island (4)
13. Scenic Cornish resort, sounds like the place
for a comfort stop (4)
15. Asia's largest desert (4)
18. Part of Australia, initially (3)
19. Capital of Lithuania (7)
20. Lively Corfu resort (5)
21. Tourist train linking Adelaide and the
Northern Territory (4)
Down
1. This team recently beat Aston Villa to win the FA
Cup (7)
2. Currency of Saudi Arabia (5)
3. Capital of Azerbaijan (4)
4. Mr Redmayne, recently seen in The Theory of
Everything (5)
5. Tunis international airport code (3)
6. One of the sites often visited on a WW1
battlefields tour (5)
11. State capital of Wisconsin (7)
12. Brownsea is one of the islands in this harbour (5)
14. Royal Caribbean cruise ship, ___ of the Seas (5)
16. Dublin-based operator, ___ Ferries (5)
17. Car hire company (4)
18. Jetsave is part of this travel group (3)
For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I?
and Travagrams, please see page 28
June 5 2015
11
bulletinbriefing
Industry Insight
by...
The Global Travel Group’s head of new business development, Rhian Herbert, encourages
agents to take advantage of the training opportunities available to them...
HE END of Top Gear as we know it has had a lot of
air time at Global HQ over the past few months.
Love him or hate him Jeremy Clarkson’s most
recent controversy has left him with some extra time on
his hands. Granted, he’s not short of a penny or two so
there’s no hurry for him to start scouring the job pages
just yet, but after 13 years at the Top Gear helm perhaps
it’s time for Mr. Clarkson to start looking at different
avenues?
"I firmly believe that training is key
Everyone’s favourite prince (although George might be
winning in terms of the cute factor these days) is also
moving on from his role in the army. After ten years in
service Prince Harry will spend the summer doing
volunteer conservation work in Africa. Following that, his
plans remain undecided.
to stay at the top of their game"
T
This got me to thinking, might Jeremy and Harry be
considering a career change? If so I firmly believe that
training is key to ensuring success both individually and
as a team. I head up the extensive training and
development programme at The Global Travel Group,
and with agents continuing to be recognised for their in
depth knowledge and expertise, it is vital that those
moving into travel for the first time receive the best level
of training before going live. Equally, it’s important that
existing agents keep their finger on the pulse at all
times to ensure they are offering customers the best
advice and travel insight.
Here at The Global Travel Group our Learning and
Development Centre is thriving. Since the beginning of
this year alone we’ve had 30 new agents attend our
training programme – both existing travel professionals
and those setting up on their own for the first time.
Regardless of industry experience, our dedicated
Learning and Development team is committed to
providing a tailored two-week travel induction course for
every new member as well as self-study packs, ongoing
modules and one-to-one meetings with their business
development manager.
Members of our commercial, marketing and finance
teams also host sessions to explain the help and
support offered to new Global members before going
12
June 5 2015
to ensuring success - both individually
and as a team, and it’s great to see
existing members recognising the
need to develop and grow in order
live, something I personally haven’t seen in previous
consortia.
It’s great to see existing members recognising the
need to develop and grow in order to stay at the top of
their game. In the first part of this year alone we’ve run
more Advanced Courses than ever before, with training
tailored to agents’ specialisms and customer base.
Since joining almost a year ago, I’ve been working
with our experienced trainer to ensure that we are
continually improving our offering for new and existing
members. As of this week, I have introduced an online
member survey so that we are maintaining and
improving procedures and processes. All agents that
attend our training programmes will receive this a few
weeks following and we welcome the feedback.
For any agents considering a tailored refresher
course, the team and I encourage you to get in touch –
we’re always pleased to hear from you! We are confident
that our Learning and Development Centre training
courses and ongoing support from your own business
development manager can make this often daunting
transition a smooth and successful one.
So, whilst becoming a travel agent might not have
crossed Jeremy Clarkson and Prince Harry’s minds as
an obvious career change, I’m confident that we could
convince them otherwise. And with start up support
from the Global team I have a hunch that driving tours
hosted by the Stig and Vegas getaways with Harry would
prove extremely popular!
S04 TB0506 2015 Israel_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:06 Page 13
israel
HIGHLIGHTS OF JORDAN & ISRAEL
OPTION FROM ABERCROMBIE & KENT
Snow set for
Israel this month
Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Abercrombie & Kent is offering a seven-night Highlights of Jordan & Israel itinerary from £2,595.
Guests will take in Jordan's ancient history and explore the city of Petra before crossing into Israel,
and there is also the option for guests to add on a few days on the itinerary to incorporate Wadi Rum
and the Dead Sea. The price is based on two adults sharing and includes flights.
To book or for more details call 01242-850299 or see www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
A line-up of international stars set for summer performances
ISRAEL’S SUMMER concerts
are starting to take shape
with many international
artists scheduled to perform
in concert halls and outdoor
venues.
Performers include singersongwriter Suzanne Vega,
who will hold two concerts at
the Mann Auditorium in Tel
Aviv alongside the Israel
Philharmonic Orchestra at
the Mann Auditorium on June
9 and 10, with tickets
available at
www.eventim.co.uk
Art Garfunkel from the
legendary duo Simon and
Garfunkel has also
announced a performance
date in Israel at the
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel
Aviv on June 10.
Tickets range from NIS 299
(approximately £49.47) to NIS
1,000 (approximately £165.45)
and can be purchased
through www.lean.co.il
Reggae star Damian
Marley will also perform in
Rishon LeZion on June 24,
with tickets available at
www.eventim.co.uk, while
Dire Straits band leader Mark
Knopfler will perform
alongside Chris White and
other international musicians
on June 27 at the Tel Aviv
fairgrounds Hall 2.
SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW will
be in theatres in Tel Aviv,
Jerusalem and Haifa
until June 14.
Created by Russian
artist Slava Polunin, the
eye catching spectacle
will entertain audiences
in Tel Aviv until
tomorrow, in Haifa from
June 9-10 and in
Jerusalem from June 1314.
The audience will
witness a magical world
of falling snow, fog,
bubbles and humour
which has entertained
audiences in more than
80 cities across the world
and is suitable for
children aged five and
upwards.
June 5 2015
13
S04 TB0506 2015 Israel_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:06 Page 14
israel
54th Israel Festival returns this summer
THE ISRAEL Festival, which is currently running until June 24,
is a celebration of the performing arts and is one of the most
important events in Israel’s cultural calendar.
The festival will feature a blend of dance, theatre, visual and
performing arts and classical, Israeli and world music. Visitors
can enjoy performances set against the backdrop of some of
Jerusalem’s most iconic landmarks including the Tower of
David, the First Tram Station and Sultan’s Pool, where the
opening event will take place.
Other venues include the Jerusalem Theatre, the Gerard
Behar Centre, Beit Shmuel, the Israel Museum, Beit Mazia
and Hansen House.
Highlights of the event include a performance of
Castellucci’s adaption of Julius Caesar and a five and a half
hour classical music marathon as a tribute to Tchaikovsky.
Until June 18, there will also be free performances on offer,
held at the newly opened bicycle track in Ha’mesila Park.
For more information visit www.israel-festival.org/show/?lang=en
Discovery trip from Insight Vacations
INSIGHT VACATIONS is offering an eight-day Israel
Discovery regional tour which includes a morning boat ride
on the Sea of Galilee, a cable car ride to the ancient
fortress of Masada and sightseeing in Jerusalem. Visits to
Nazareth, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea are also offered.
Prices start from £1,895 per person and include seven
nights’ breakfast accommodation, VIP door-to-door
transfers, sightseeing and a tour director.
nn, holiday
by John Gui
researcher
John gets to
grips with
holidays to
Jaffa
John Guinn runs Holiday Hut and has a weekly
travel show on internet radio station, Secklow
Sounds. He also contributes regularly to UK Health
Radio.
AY BACK when I was at primary school (post-ink
wells but pre-end of free school milk) ‘normal’
families spent two weeks at a holiday camp looking
out of the window at the rain. They didn’t go abroad.
I was ten years old before I had a classmate who actually
had a far off holiday (it was to Spain). He was so tanned
when he came back to school he was lucky that he wasn’t
accused of witchcraft.
So back then there wasn’t much talk of faraway places.
Well, that’s what I thought until I chatted with Michelle
Roberts from the Israel Government Tourist Office in
London. I now realise that there was plenty of discussions
about exotic places, I just didn’t realise it at the time.
OK, so the bible isn’t a travel brochure, but there are so
many places in Israel mentioned in the ‘good book’ that it
could be. As a travel agent perhaps I should have known
this. However, even with all the flight options from my local
airport (Luton) to Tel Aviv, Israel just wasn’t a destination I
sold.
Michelle was on my radio show talking about Jaffa. As
one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited ports, it
should be no surprise that Jaffa also appears in stories
from many cultures, such as the Greek Mythology
(Andromeda), as well as in the bible.
Jaffa still has narrow streets that remind visitors of the
port’s history, but the modern Jaffa is now somewhere to
escape the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv. A place for having a
meal and thinking about all the stories this old port has to
offer.
In my case, it is somewhere to remind me of my early
school days and drinking milk that had been left out in the
sun all morning.
For more information, you can listen to my podcast at
http://tinyurl.com/nq4t4yn to hear Michelle talk about Jaffa.
W
Heathrow move for EL AL
EL AL Flights has now moved to Terminal 4 at Heathrow.
Flights from Tel Aviv to London and from London to Tel
Aviv now depart and arrive at Terminal 4.
The carrier offers up to 26 weekly flights to Heathrow
and Luton, of which 11 weekly flights are to Heathrow. The
flights are operated on 777-200, 747-400 and 767 aircraft.
For further information call 0203-204 0300 or visit
www.elal.co.uk
14
June 5 2015
S05 TB0506 2015 Dynamic Packaging_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:36 Page 15
dynamicpackaging
HOTELBEDS ANNOUNCES NEW COMMITMENTS
ACROSS MIDDLE EAST, TURKEY & AFRICA
HOTELBEDS HAS announced that it is
making long term commitments at
selected properties in gateway cities
across the Middle East, Turkey and
Africa.
Presenting an alternative
distribution model to hoteliers,
growing their hotel portfolio also
provides customers with real time and
translated hotel contents with
attractive margins.
Carlos Muñoz, managing director for
the company, said: “META is one of our
fastest growing regions around the
world and these agreements are just
another proof of our commitment to it.
With this new formula for the region
we aim to provide our clients with
flexible high margins and an exclusive
hotel portfolio, while offering a truly
long term, consistent and guaranteed
revenue stream to property owners, as
well as the opportunity to form
preferred partnerships.”
Affordable warns agents not to be misled by advice on driving licence changes
AFFORDABLE CAR HIRE has moved to
set the record straight on the advice
travel agents are receiving in light of
changes to UK driving licences due to
come in next month.
The company contacted more than
500 of its global car hire partners to
gauge what customers should do in
the light of the DVLA abolishing the
paper counterpart of UK driving
licences.
The research reveals that earlier
press reports stating the change only
affects car rental in the UK and Ireland
is wrong. As a result, the
recommendation is that agents advise
all customers hiring cars overseas to
obtain the unique passcode from the
DVLA website before collecting the car.
Angela Day, CEO for the car rental
company, said: “It is extremely
important for us that our trade
partners are given the correct advice
so our mutual customers can continue
to receive an exemplary and problem
free service when collecting their
vehicles.
“Whilst the majority of our car hire
partners have indicated a passcode is
not required, some of them have
advised that they will be asking UK
customers to present the one off
passcode on collection. Given that the
overseas requirements are far from
conclusive, we strongly recommend
that agents advise customers hiring
cars overseas to obtain the passcode
from the DVLA.”
The process to obtain a passcode
involves inputting the driving licence
number, NI number and postcode and
can be completed on mobile phones
and tablets overseas as well as in the
UK. It can be found on the DVLA
website at www.gov.uk/view-drivinglicence - and once obtained lasts 72
hours.
Meanwhile, the company reports
that the US continues to be one of its
most popular car rental destinations.
In partnership with Budget, the
company offers zero excess with a
free additional driver and free oneway journeys when travelling within
the states of Florida, California,
Arizona and Nevada. Savings of up to
50% are also offered when prebooking a young drivers package or
Sat Nav, and a platinum package,
which includes one tank of fuel and
three additional drivers, is also
available. Prices start from £15 per
day.
For details visit
www.affordablecarhire.com or call
0845-900 0420.
Avis announces new multi-year partnership with Qatar Airways
AVIS CAR RENTAL has announced a new multi-year
partnership with Privilege Club, the frequent flyer
programme of Qatar Airways, where members can earn
between 500-800 Qmiles for every rental booked.
Qmiles can be redeemed against a selection of benefits,
including complimentary flights, upgrades and excess
baggage on flights.
Troy Warfield, the company’s group commercial and
licensee director for vehicle rental service, said: “Privilege
Club members will not only be able to enjoy our product
and service but will now be able to earn up to 800 Qmiles
per booking, which translates into a truly worthwhile
reward.”
To celebrate the partnership, the five top spending
Privilege Club members who rent a car through
www.avisworld.com/qatar by September 30 will be in with
the chance of winning 100,000 bonus Qmiles.
For more information visit www.avisworld.com/qatar
June 5 2015
15
dynamicpackaging
No.1 Gatwick South
No.1 Traveller & TUI Specialist Holidays Group join forces
AIRPORT LOUNGE operator No.1
Traveller has extended its partnership
with TUI Specialist Holidays Group.
All Sovereign holidaymakers will
receive access to any lounge in the
No.1 collection, located at Heathrow,
Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh,
as well as partner facilities including
the three Manchester Escape lounges
and Gordon Ramsay Plane Food
located at Heathrow Terminal 5.
The operator and other Specialist
Holidays Group brands such as Meon
Villas, Thomson Tailormade and
Jetsave will run a series of bespoke
promotions across the year on other
services including VIP Departure and
Arrival and Champagne experiences.
Holiday Extras teams up with Flexible Autos
HOLIDAY EXTRAS has teamed up with
Flexible Autos to provide TUI travel
agents with the ability to book car hire
through their existing booking
platform.
The new arrangement delivers a
simpler and improved booking portal
which is now live to give TUI
customers a choice of 17,000 locations
and 88 countries to arrange holiday
car hire.
James Lewis, head of partnerships
for the travel add-on provider, said:
“We expect that our partnership will
increase agent confidence when
selling car hire to their customers. We
also plan to grow and strengthen our
car hire offering and welcome any
enquiries from other interested travel
companies who are looking to add
extra value for themselves and for
their customers by making travel easy
with this car hire product and booking
system.”
Sue Dixon, group managing director
for Flexible Autos, said: “We are
delighted to have been asked to
partner with Holiday Extras and be
able to offer our vast range of cars
and destinations to TUI travel agents.
We are 100% trade only so TUI staff
can sell our product with great
confidence, safe in the knowledge that
their customers will not find a
cheaper price if they booked direct.
“I am particularly excited that this
announcement comes shortly after the
launch of our innovative, fully
inclusive Premium Package which is
currently available in eight locations Alicante, Malaga, Valencia, Mallorca,
Ibiza, Canaries, Portugal and Italy.
“The all-inclusive product features
no deposit at the time of booking, zero
excess plus additional benefits
depending on location such as a free
additional driver, complimentary child
seats and our ‘full to full’ fuel policy.
Customers wishing to upgrade their
car rental to the Premium Package
can do so from £35 which means
increased commission for agents too.”
For enquires email
[email protected]
APH survey unveils pet-friendly airlines
GAME, SET, MATCH…
roomsXML.com has introduced a new feature that displays the room
type exactly as per the hotel's own room names. From a travel
agent's perspective the new feature removes the guess work whilst
booking a room. Pictured promoting the new feature at ATM 2015 in
Dubai are, from the left: Harshwardhan Sarang, Yusuf Diwan, Ruchir
Bang and Diptiman Dewan, all from roomsXML.com
16
June 5 2015
A SURVEY from HomeAway has found that one in four dog
and cat owners (26%) in Europe will base their holiday
locations on whether it allows them to bring their pets.
With many holidaymakers looking to take their pet abroad
this summer, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has created
a comprehensive guide highlighting the different rules and
regulations across major airlines for travelling with ‘man’s
best friend’.
The research compares the different dog breeds
accepted on flights, the cost of flying abroad with a dog, as
well as the pet weight and crate stipulations across 20
major airlines including Air Canada, Alitalia, Japan Airlines
and Singapore Airlines.
The cost of transporting animals was found to differ
greatly between airlines and, out of the 20 airlines
researched, only Virgin Atlantic offers a dedicated Flying
Paws Scheme where passengers can collect Flying Club
Miles on behalf of their dog.
For details see www.aph.com/travellingwithpets
Car hire for you…
If you’d like to offer your customers car hire,
Holiday Extras can help!
Our product is:
Convenient and affordable
Fully-inclusive
Tailored to suit every budget
Available in over 17,000 locations worldwide
Hotel collections available
If you’re looking to add some ease and
freedom to your customers’ travels,
why not contact us about car hire?
James Lewis, Head of Partnerships, said
“I would welcome enquiries
from anybody interested in
using Holiday Extras to provide
car hire to their customers.”
For more information, please contact
James Lewis at [email protected]
dynamicpackaging
DoSomethingDifferent.com highlights New
York and new tours to agents
TRAVEL AGENTS can now
book tickets to the New York
Yankees through
DoSomethingDifferent.com,
with a range of seat
categories to suit every
budget and commission paid
on all tickets.
Previously unavailable for
agents to book in the UK,
entry-level tickets are priced
from £32 per person, while
fans with a bigger budget
will enjoy some of the best
seats in the house, priced at
£115 per person. Mid-level
seats are priced at £74 per
person.
The baseball season runs
through to the end of
September and is a classic
New York experience.
Annabel Cove, the
company’s trade
development manager, said:
“Going to a live baseball
match in New York is an
absolute must. Even if you’re
not a sports fan, the
atmosphere alone is reason
enough to visit the stadium.
These tickets are going to be
a big hit for our trade
partners and their
customers.”
Meanwhile, a number of
new tours are now available
for agents to book for clients
including New York’s
theatrical experience ‘The
Ride’, with tickets from £46
per person for a 75-minute
interactive tour; the return
of Southern California
CityPass wth 14 days from
£223; and San Francisco’s
Madame Tussauds from £14.
www.dosomethingdifferent.c
om or call 020-8090 3890.
PUPPY POWER…
Attraction World has announced its partnership with Guide Dogs
for the Blind – helping to raise funds through various activities to
support puppies through their very important first year of life. To
get the fund raising off to a flying start, the operator’s managing
director, Paul Stobbs (pictured right - who has a fear of heights)
and Miles Northwood (left) from Guide Dogs for the Blind (who
has been blind from an early age) will jump from a plane on June
19 in a bid to raise £5,000. To support the cause visit
www.justgiving.com/PaulAndMilesSkydive
GET YOUR CLIENTS FROM A2B WITH THESE TOP TIPS ON SELLING TRANSFERS
by EMMA RYAN, UK head of sales
for A2Btransfers
When should I offer a transfer?
Once you’ve got the customer on
the phone or in your shop, this is
the time to make sure you use this
opportunity to sell ancillary
products - to tailor the trip to their
needs, and earn yourself some
extra commission.
Why should I offer my clients a
transfer?
Your client needs to get to their
hotel and a transfer guarantees
them a reliable smooth running
service in resort for the start and
finish of their holiday. Our transfers
range from the great value shared
shuttle, speedy shuttles, private
vehicles and executive vehicles, so
there is a transfer type to suit all
clients.
Where should I have my transfers
showing on my website to
maximise conversion?
Up to 80% conversion can be
18
June 5 2015
reached if the transfer is offered in
the booking path online.
How easy is it to book a transfer?
It’s easy as 123, our brand new
website allows you to book in three
steps up until 24 hours before travel
in most destinations.
What happens if I need to cancel or
amend my booking?
We have a simple online
administration section allowing you
to cancel and/or amend FOC up
until two days before travel.
What happens after I book my
clients transfer?
You will receive an instant voucher
that must be passed onto your
client. This includes in-resort
information, joining instructions and
contact details.
What are the benefits of booking
with a2btransfers?
Fantastic commission, incentives,
agent concessions, dedicated
account manager, 24/7 support and
flexibility.
What are a2btransfers USP’s?
Diverse, strong, young team, own
in-house technology with scalable
IT solution, exclusive special offers
and discounts with our suppliers,
product innovation including speedy
shuttle services, worldwide
coverage in over 120 countries,
flexible, easy and highly secure
booking system, free online
cancellations and amendments, inhouse call centre available seven
days a week and no hidden fees.
For more information or to apply for
an account, contact
[email protected]
S06 B0506 2015 Dynamic Packaging 2_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:19 Page 19
dynamicpackaging
STAVROS SURPRISE…
Kefalonia is one of four new Jet2.com and
Jet2holidays routes taking off this year from Leeds
Bradford, marking the start of their biggest summer
programme to date, with Antalya, Malta and Tunisia
flights taking off within the last couple of weeks. To
mark the launch, Britain’s Got Talent favourites,
Stavros Flatley (the father and son team of Demi and
Lagi Demetriou) surprised passengers with a special
performance of their dance routine. Weekly flights to
Kefalonia are available from £91 per person,
including taxes.
Economy Car Hire warns holidaymakers of ‘too good to be true’ deals
BRITS TAKING advantage of low-cost
car hire prices in Spain this summer
could find the extra insurance sold at
the hire desk can increase rental costs
by more than 13 times the original
amount quoted, according to research
by Economy Car Hire.
Headline prices for car hire have
plummeted to as low as nine euros a
week but companies are making up for
it by hard selling additional insurances
upon collection. This means that bills
can shoot up by hundreds of euros.
With up to half a million British
tourists hiring cars in Spain each year,
many Spanish car rental companies
have introduced excesses in the last
year in an attempt to persuade
customers to take out the extra cover
and boost their margins. The excess
deposit is only released (minus
anything the rental company takes for
damage) when the car is returned.
Rory Sexton, managing director of
the car hire company, said: "Since last
year many Spanish car hire companies
have introduced hefty damage
excesses and many British tourists will
not expect to have to leave a big credit
card deposit when they collect their
‘cheap' rental car. Some Spanish hirers
are offering cars from as little as £6 or
£7 a week to appear super competitive
and intend to make money by hardselling insurance when the customer
collects the car. The insurance is
typically 15-17 euros per day.
"If the customer refuses to take the
insurance they will be asked for an
excess deposit of up to 2,500 euros
charged to their credit card - this could
be money the customer was intending
to spend on holiday."
The company’s prices always include
excess protection and, where there is
an excess, they provide free excess
reimbursement insurance. This means
that in the event of a collision,
customers won't be left out of pocket.
Sexton said: "The best advice is for
customers to understand what they are
covered for and decline additional
insurance upon collection if they have
already bought it.
"But be prepared to be asked to
leave a substantial excess charged to
your credit card."
Meanwhile, the company reports
that Iceland is the most expensive
destination to hire a car this summer,
costing up to six times the amount
clients would pay in South Africa.
The company’s analysis of car rental
costs in 20 different countries
worldwide found that holidaymakers
will have to pay £507 to hire a compact
car for a week in Iceland this August,
compared to £79 a week in South
Africa.
Tunisia, France, Croatia and Canada
join Iceland in the list of the top five of
most expensive places to hire a car
this summer.
Despite the fact they are close
neighbours, hiring a car in Canada is
considerably more expensive than
hiring a car in the US, where
holidaymakers face weekly costs of
£129 - £82 less than in Canada.
The four cheapest places to hire a
car are the Netherlands, Cyprus, the
United Arab Emirates and Spain.
Hiring a car in the Netherlands for a
week will cost £94, which is the only
destination other than South Africa
where you'll see change from £100.
Countries with ‘middle of the road'
car rental costs include Portugal,
Madeira, the Greek Islands, Turkey,
Germany and Italy.
June 5 2015
19
S06 B0506 2015 Dynamic Packaging 2_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:19 Page 20
dynamicpackaging
staffreview
Travel Bulletin's Lauretta Wright went on a Bateaux Dinner
Cruise in New York with DoSomethingDifferent.com. Here's
what she thought of the experience...
First impressions ................................9/10
The process of boarding the boat was a seamless one and
we were greeted by the captain and his crew. The boat was
entirely glassed over which ensured unobstructed views as
we sailed around Manhattan Island.
Comfort ..............................................9/10
The vessel itself was quite simple but at the same time
elegant. Everything was what you would expect of a finedining experience on water. Despite the fact that the rain
was lashing down outside, inside the live entertainment
(jazz and singing) plus the great food ensured the
atmosphere remained convivial.
Quality ..............................................10/10
The wine list was comprehensive and catered for most tastes,
while the food was high quality and beautifully presented.
Affordability ........................................8/10
Prices start from £106 per person and the experience
includes a three-course gourmet dinner freshly prepared
on board, a three-hour cruise along the Hudson and East
Rivers, entertainment and dancing; coffee, tea and ice-tea.
Service ..............................................10/10
We had a dedicated waiter for table service who was very
attentive.
Good to know ............................................
The cruise departs daily between April and December and
Thursday to Sunday in February and March. Those
celebrating a birthday or special occasion receive a special
mention and a cake, while agents can earn 10% commission booking through DoSomethingDifferent.
Overall scoring: ........................................
9/
10
If you'd like to take part in an agent review and receive a £10
M&S voucher email [email protected]
20
June 5 2015
FLYBE TAKEOFF…
Paul Willoughby, Flybe’s regional manager (UK South), joins the
airline’s crew and Southampton Airport staff at the launch of the
carrier’s new twice-weekly route to Bastia in Corsica. One-way
fares from Southampton start from £44.99 including taxes and
charges and flights will operate through to September 27.
New service offers hitch-free hotels for
wedding guests from LateRooms.com
A NEW wedding hotel service, WeddingGuestRooms.com, has
been launched by LateRooms.com to help brides and groomsto-be share the best hotel options for their big day with
wedding guests.
The site allows the creation of a personalised page of
nearby wedding day accommodation options, which can then
be shared quickly with guests.
Wedding guests benefit from up-to-date availability and
prices at properties within a ten-mile radius of the wedding or
reception venue, with features like book in advance and pay on
arrival, and providing free cancellation on many rooms.
In addition, whenever affiliates or partners use Wedding
Guest Rooms, they can make at least 5% commission on any
hotel booking made.
SuperBreak adds Beatles Magical
Mystery Tour in Liverpool
SUPERBREAK HAS added a new tour that can be added to any
hotel booking in Liverpool. The ‘Beatles Magical Mystery Tour’
takes customers on a two-hour guided bus tour that starts at
Albert Dock and finishes at the Cavern Club, where The
Beatles played 292 times. Included is a souvenir, general
admission to the Cavern Club on the tour date evening and
10% off food served daily until 18:00 in the Cavern Pub.
The tour departs at points throughout the day for added
flexibility and costs £16.95 per person when added to a hotel
booking.
For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agents
or call 0190-443 6000.
Airport parking app from
Travelport Smartpoint
TRAVELPORT HAS announced that Travel Parking Group’s
(TPG) airport parking application, Looking4app, is now
available to travel agencies through its point of sale
technology, Travelport Smartpoint.
The app offers connected agents with an integrated
airport car parking payments solution which picks up flight
and customer PNR details, making the booking process
fast and simple whilst increasing profitability. The plug-in
is free to download via Travelport Marketplace.
S07 TB0506 2015 Luxury_Layout 1 03/06/2015 11:17 Page 21
luxury
Why getting to
know your clients
pays off when
selling luxury
LL YOUR clients have their own private dream of what
makes a luxury holiday. It may depend on a wish list
destination, a five-star boutique hotel with fine dining
or the opportunity to see places, people and sights they have
longed to experience, and of course it must offer great value
too.
So, what is the starting point for this dream holiday? Well,
ideally it should begin by dealing with a company whose staff
know how to listen to your clients’ wishes. Providing a
professional and efficient service is not enough. Your
customers will expect suggestions that add that something
extra to their experience. Maybe they did not know they
could go bear watching or enjoy a fish picnic in Croatia, but
will love the idea once you have put it to them.
A
Giving clients more
As examples, on a luxury holiday in Crete, we can arrange
a private guided visit to the temple of Knossos, while in
Morocco we can pick your clients up from their riad or hotel
and whisk them away for a day in the Atlas Mountains in a
chauffeured Mercedes with an entertaining expert guide.
These extras are easily organised and provide memorable
experiences that can make a holiday extra special. In
addition, it’s important for agents to find out from their
customers exactly what they want their luxury break to
entail.
For example, we can arrange luxuriously planned singlecentre holidays, touring trips or stays with cultural
excitement too. Take Canada as an example; this exciting
country can provide the ultimate in luxury experiences for
more adventurous clients. A break can feature self-drive,
cruising options, wildlife viewing and cities in any
combination - options for luxury experiences abound. The
Ritz Carlton in Toronto is fabulous for a city break (great for
theatres) or why not suggest your clients combine a stay at
the Relais Chateaux Sonora Resort followed by a few nights
at the new Trump in Vancouver?
It’s all in the details
Luxurious does not have to mean the obvious five-star
‘grand’” resort hotel. I will always remember my stay at the
Knight Inlet Lodge in British Columbia for the whole
experience. We flew in from Campbell River over beautiful
by JOHN DIXON, chairman &
managing director, Prestige Holidays
wild mountains in a seaplane, landed with a splash and were
welcomed by wildlife experts in a warm friendly fashion. The
food was simple and plentiful, the accommodation was
spacious and comfortable and the guides who led visits out to
see bears, whales, otters and eagles were really outstanding.
These exciting and utterly different set of experiences
represent for me the truly luxurious part of any holiday.
What about a stay in a Palace hotel, such as the 17th
century Pucic Palace in Dubrovnik or the gorgeous Xara
Palace in Medina, Malta? Both are exclusive boutique hotels
with luxurious accommodations and the Xara features a
unique fine dining experience. The Palazzo Failla in UNESCO
protected Modica, Sicily, is another boutique gem with a
Michelin starred restaurant.
Sicily is rich with luxurious properties ranging from the
extravagant to the simple. The superbly located five-star
deluxe Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has views to take the
breath away, as well as an excellent restaurant and period
style guestrooms. The Torre Marabino in contrast has just
seven rooms and stands in a quiet peaceful country
location. This little gem is known for its gastronomy, with
the food and wine organically produced from the property’s
own estate. Guests holidaying here have a rental car so that
they can explore the local baroque towns of Modica, Scicli,
Ragusa and Ipsica – for those in the know this is
Montalbano country!
Luxury at home
Sometimes it is really rewarding to take a few days away
without having to travel far – that’s where for me Guernsey
is ideal. The Old Government House is everything a
traditional very British hotel should be, rather like a private
club with several dining options, right in the heart of St
Peter Port. Small Luxury Hotels of the World member
Bella Luce was originally a 12th century Norman Manor
House, and its country location and romantic atmosphere
make it an ideal spot for a luxury retreat for couples.
So, luxury can be difficult to define, but to me it implies
superb style and atmosphere. Tip top service has to be a
given, as does good value. All our clients expect competitive
prices and I am proud to say our luxury holidays combine
terrific value with the highest levels of service before,
during and after every single break we organise.
June 5 2015
21
luxury
CYPLON HOLIDAYS
is offering a special rate for bookings made at the five-star Hyatt
Regency Sharm el Sheikh Resort before September 7, with a 25%
discount on accommodation for departures between July 23 and
September 15. For details call 0800-074 8888.
FLY FROM
YOUR
LOCAL
AIRPORT
PRIVATE
TRANSFERS
INCLUDED
Luxury savings
CYPRUS
SAVE
5 Constantinou
Bros Asimina Suites
£620
COMPLIMENTARY ROOM
& BOARD UPGRADE
per couple per week
from£1,239pp* Gatwick 9 July
from£1,249pp* Manchester 8 July
from£1,279pp* Leeds Bradford 8 July
*Based on 2 sharing, 7 nights half board in a one
Call 0800 008 7288
5030
22
www.classic-collection.co.uk
June 5 2015
andBeyond opens redesigned Benguerra
Island property in Mozambique
ANDBEYOND HAS given its Mozambican retreat a new
look. Re-opening this month, the remote resort of
Benguerra Island takes inspiration from Mozambique’s
Portuguese heritage and offers 13 thatched casinhas
and cabanas in a marine conservation area.
The retreat sits alongside a permanent deep water
channel which is known for its game fishing, just one of
many water-based activities that guests can enjoy. In
tune with the company’s ethos, guests will also be able
to enter into island life, spend time with local villagers
and help out with conservation projects. Rates start
from £370 per person, per night, based on two sharing
including all meals.
For more information visit www.andbeyond.com
New property selection from Jet2holidays
JET2HOLIDAYS is featuring a selection of luxury hotels
across Europe including new additions for this summer.
As examples, the five-star The Royal Apollonia in
Limassol, Cyprus is ideal for clients looking to recharge
their batteries and is 5km away from Limassol’s Old Town.
The five-star Hilton Malta is also new to the
company’s portfolio, and offers panoramic views of the
sea and yacht marina, as well as four outdoor pools and
a spa area, while the Tonga Tower Design Hotel and
Suites (located on the north eastern tip of the Bay of
Alcudia in Mallorca) offers something for all members
of the family.
As an example of prices, a seven-night, half-board
stay at The Royal Apollonia in Limmassol, based on a
June 28 departure from East Midlands Airport and two
sharing a superior room, costs £636 per person
including 22kg baggage allowance and transfers.
To book or for further information call 0800-408 5587
or visit trade.jet2holidays.com
luxury
Funway sees 6% rise in five-star
hotel bookings in Mexico
FUNWAY REPORTS strong
demand for luxury
holidays in Mexico.
The operator’s
marketing executive,
Rebecca Evans, said:
“Five-star hotel bookings
in Mexico are up 6% and
we are seeing more
clients wanting more
luxury even before they
arrive at their holiday
destination - from extra
leg room on flights to
Cancun flight upgrades.”
The company is also
encouraging agents to
promote airport lounges to
clients as a way of
boosting commission, and
offers both No. 1 Traveller
and Aspire/Swissport
lounges. Evans said:
“Booking airport lounge
passes is another example
of customers wanting
more luxury, escaping the
crowds and having a little
luxury before they fly with
complimentary drinks and
unlimited Wi-Fi from only
£25 per person.
“These savvy and
service-obsessed guests
also expect everything
once at resort - from
iPads to state-of-the-art
coffee machines included
as standard, and they're
willing to pay for these
little luxuries too.”
As an example of prices,
a seven-night stay at the
adult-only, five-star
Secrets The Vine Cancun
leads in at £1,419 per
person on an all-inclusive
basis. It includes transfers
and flights from Gatwick
with Virgin Atlantic and is
based on an October 28
departure.
For details see
www.funway4agents.co.uk
THE VEAN,
originally the old vicarage on the Caerhays Estate near St Austell,
Cornwall, is offering 20% off for bookings of three nights or more
this month. The five-star Georgian house sleeps 16 and is located
a short walk from Porthluney Beach. With the saving, guests can
stay at the property for a minimum of three nights for £1,6980 or
£3,960 for seven nights.
For details email [email protected] or call 01872-501918.
Savings on four- and seven-night Nile
cruises on The Oberoi Zahra
THE OBEROI Zahra is offering new deals on four- and
seven-night itineraries on the Nile. The luxury cruiser
offers spacious cabins, a la carte cuisine and private
massage therapy rooms. Guests are also offered exclusive
private docking arrangements and small luxury coaches
available at every stop.
Each of The Oberoi Zahra’s 25 cabins feature large
windows to offer panoramic views of the Nile, while the two
luxury suites feature separate living rooms, private
terraces and Jacuzzis. The cruiser also offers a theatre,
library, cigar bar, swimming pool, fitness centre and a
gourmet restaurant.
This summer’s offer invites guests to experience a
double luxury room from July 7 to September 28 for 650
euros per night. It includes all meals, transfers by
Mercedes van and complimentary wireless internet access.
To ensure wellness and relaxation on board, guests are
encouraged to use the gym and steam room on a
complimentary basis, and are offered a one-hour massage
per person, per cruise.
For details email [email protected] or
see www.oberoihotels.com
24
June 5 2015
S08 TB0506 2015 Luxury 2_Layout 1 03/06/2015 10:41 Page 25
luxury
Costa Rica
adventure from
Journey Latin
America
JOURNEY LATIN AMERICA
has introduced an eight-day
luxury adventure holiday in
Costa Rica that combines
white water rafting, ziplining, kayaking, trekking
and horse riding with
luxury accommodation
including Pacuare Lodge,
Rio Perdido and El Silencio
Lodge and Spa.
Prices lead in at £1,731
per person including
domestic flights, transfers,
breakfast accommodation,
activities and most meals.
International flights are
extra.
For details or to book call
020-8600 1881 or see
www.journeylatinamerica.c
o.uk
HALF MOON
in Montego Bay, Jamaica is offering an all-inclusive ‘The Ultimate in Luxury’ package which includes
unlimited golf at the resort’s championship golf course, three treatments at Fern Tree Spa, as well as
a glass bottom boat ride, sailing, snorkelling and windsurfing. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails,
wine and drinks at hotel bars are also included in the package. ITC Luxury is offering prices from
£2,589 per person based on two adults sharing a deluxe room for seven nights, including flights with
Virgin Atlantic on September 16 and private transfers.
For details call 01244-355 527 or see www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk
LUXURY HOLIDAYS
54321.3-,+*)('&2-+%34-'-$)(3-4'#.3-+"-! '*)&-+3*2-"4+-2'**34-+ 1! 3-+-*'4.34-432+4-+3*2-)#34 ('-*.'43-&4 2-433-'#'4)32-4+'1'-'*)'#-'32-'4()#)'-))*&-')#- 43&-'*''(3)4'--+4++-3-'3-2+3)#.-+-2 )-+ *32-'#(-"')*)32
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2-"')*)132-'#(.43'-)*(-()2+ #2-+4-+3*2-$)-3)4-+$#-2'-+4-.+*"- 2-'2-"+4-'()3
Ask us about all our latest offers, including free nights, free half board, free Spa treatments and free
+43-'%+4('*3-* 4&-+*)('&2-"4+-&+ 4-*+'*-')4+4
54321.3-,+*)('&2-+#---+4-$$$4321.3+*)('&2+ S08 TB0506 2015 Luxury 2_Layout 1 03/06/2015 10:41 Page 26
luxury
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa re-opens following $50million investment
HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA, a
five-star resort on Dhonakulhi Island in
the Maldives, has recently re-opened
following a $50million whole-island
renovation.
As part of the improvements, the
resort has introduced seaplane transfers
from Malé International Airport direct to
Dhonakulhi Island, ensuring that guests
enjoy a premium service from arrival to
departure.
Featuring 103 villas, guests can
choose from eight different categories of
accommodation, ranging from
beachfront to garden and family
residences, as well as the new addition of
50 over-water villas which offer a
personalised butler service.
The resort also offers a range of
wellness and sporting experiences, as
well as a kids’ club and a selection of
culinary options.
Insight Vacations promotes Gold Luxury tours
INSIGHT VACATIONS is highlighting a selection of
worldwide 'Gold Luxury All Inclusive' tours.
Examples include Rhythms & Flavours of America, which
begins in Chicago before heading to the Midwest. In
Louisville there is the chance for guests to visit a bourbon
distillery to discover the secrets and sample the South’s
signature spirit. The musical history of Nashville will also
be uncovered before heading on to Memphis, followed by
visits to Mississippi and New Orleans.
Prices start from £4,430 per person and include flights,
13 nights’ breakfast accommodation and evening meals.
Alternatively, a seven-day Essence of India option visits
the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and leads in at £1,950
including flights and six nights’ breakfast accommodation.
Highlights include a rickshaw ride through Delhi, a stay in
luxury tented accommodation in Samode and traditional
folk dance entertainment.
Both tours also include VIP door-to-door transfers,
included sightseeing and the services of a tour director
throughout.
For details see www.insightvacations.com
Adventurous guests who wish to
explore the hidden wonders of the ocean
can sail out on a traditional Maldivian
Dhoni or on a high-speed jet ski to one of
the nearby uninhabited islands.
Additional watersport activities, including
kite-boarding, kayaking and wind-surfing,
are also available for guests, along with
two full-sized tennis courts.
www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
InBrief
● SPA IL SALVIATINO In Italy’s Florence has launched a range
of treatments created exclusively for little ones and
teenagers at its on-site wellness offering, Spa Il Salviatino.
Children aged six-12 can join mum and dad for a Fresh Face
hypoallergenic facial treatment or sign up for Butter
Cuddles, a gentle cocoa butter massage designed to
nourish young skin. In addition, little princesses can have
pretty hands and toes just like mum with a mini manicure
and pedicure, while teens can blitz the zits with a purifying
and hydrating Teen Facial treatment.
See www.salviatino.com
● OLIVER'S TRAVELS is offering disconts across a range of
accommodation including 50% off Villa Shambalah in
Dordogne, France, with prices from £1,400 per week for
eight people (or £25 per person, per night); 20% off stays at
Cortijo Belasco in Andalucia, with prices from £1,965 per
week for 20 people (£14 per person, per night); and 30% off
Château Le Brun in the Loire Valley, France, with prices from
£1,161 per week for 12 people or £13.80 per person, per night.
Details at www.oliverstravels.com
● THE SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHi, situated in the Maldives’ Noonu
Atoll, has invested in its luxury beach accommodation with
the introduction of 75 deluxe beach villas with private
pools. The open-plan villas feature day beds, espresso
machines, mini bars and spa baths. A seven-night, halfboard stay in a deluxe beach villa with pool costs from
£1,899 per person with Travelbag. It includes flights with
Qatar Airways from Heathrow and offers a saving of up to
£880 per couple for travel by the end of this month.
Call 0845-543 6615 for details.
Taj Mahal
26
June 5 2015
luxury
Observatory Bush
Villa, Waterberg,
South Africa
Villa Guru expands portfolio with
unique properties across destinations
VILLA GURU has added a number of properties in the
Seychelles, Italy, France, Ibiza and South Africa to its
portfolio.
The properties are complemented by a dedicated
concierge team that can cater for all requests – from
helicopter transfers, to a caviar and Champagne welcome.
As an example, a stay on Fregate Private Island in the
Seychelles costs from 4,200 euros per night for double
occupancy of a private pool residence.
The rate includes access to the concierge team, 15% tax
and 10% service charges, all island dining experiences and
a private buggy for exploring the island.
Numerous activities are also included such as nonmotorised watersports and a half-day deep sea fishing
excursion when staying three nights or more.
For more information visit www.villaguru.com
or call 020-3004 8750.
Survey reveals dishwashers are top of
wish-list for Brits’ luxury villa holidays
THEBIGDOMAIN.COM recently polled 2,000 people in the UK to
find the most sought after features of a luxury villa holiday.
The results revealed that location is the most important
factor when booking a luxury holiday, with sea views (86%) and
countryside views (70%) both featuring in the top three of the
most wanted facilities, while 44% of those polled stated that
nightlife was in their top five most wanted.
In terms of amenities and most popular facilities, private
pools appeared in 77% of people's top five features and
internet access appeared in 59% of the top five most sought
after facilities.
Conversely, on-site gyms were ranked as the second least
required for a luxury holiday, with pet-friendly accommodation
featuring at the bottom of the overall list.
Furthermore, 24% of those surveyed ranked a dishwasher
as one of the top five most important features for a luxury
holiday compared to 12% who ranked an on-site gym within
the top five most wanted features.
The company’s marketing manager, Matt Fletcher, said:
“We were quite surprised at the results of this poll, where
everyday amenities such as internet access, satellite TV and
having a dishwasher featured prominently in people's top five
features. It goes without saying that location is important too
with coastal views being favoured, but ultimately luxury seems
to be synonymous with ease and relaxation which is evidenced
by the fact that on-site gyms and pet friendliness appeared at
the bottom of the list.”
Makanyi safari lodge opens in South Africa
OPENING THIS month, Makanyi is located in the southern
sector of the South African Timbavati region.
The contemporary architecture of the lodge blends into
its bush surroundings with a total of eight open plan suites
- six classic suites and two honeymoon. All feature an
extra-large bed, sitting area with fireplace and a spacious
bathroom with a shower and separate freestanding bath.
Outside, a private deck overlooks the bush, with an outdoor
shower and sun loungers.
The two honeymoon suites are situated at the far
reaches of the camp to offer total privacy, while four-poster
beds, private plunge pools, secluded candle-lit dinners and
flower petal strewn picnics make for a romantic hideaway.
Activities include game drives, guided bush walks,
fishing and star gazing. Visits to Blyde River Canyon and
the Drakensburg Mountains can also be organised from the
lodge. An introductory launch price leads in at £275 per
person, per night on full board.
For more information visit www.makanyilodge.com
June 5 2015
27
luxury
SuperBreak boosts Luxury Hotel Collection
We asked our staff the
following question this week:
What do you really want
to know the answer to?
Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe
[email protected]
After 28 years, how come I still laugh at Simon's jokes?
Editor: Lauretta Wright
[email protected]
SUPERBREAK has launched its
latest Luxury Hotel Collection
brochure featuring stays until April
30, 2016.
Offering a unique collection of
luxury hotels and experiences
throughout the UK and also in key
European cities, the 60-page
brochure features 202 hotels, 37 of
which are new.
A range of luxury packages are
available including spa, golf,
theatre, afternoon tea, decadent
dining, celebration options, Orient
Express and private tours of historic
royal palaces.
New hotels include the four-star
Hazlewood Castle near York, with
prices from £47; the five-star Sofitel
London St James from £160; the
five-star Conrad London St James
from £167; and the Radisson Blu
1919 Hotel in Reykjavik from £69.50.
Prices are per person, per night and
include breakfast.
For further information visit
www.superbreak.com/agents or call
01904-436000.
Is life real or a computer simulation?
Editorial Assistant: Adam Potter
[email protected]
Just how many licks would it take to get to the centre of
a marble?
Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore
[email protected]
When shall I win BIG on the lottery?
Sales Director: Simon Eddolls
[email protected]
Chicken or egg?
Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger
[email protected]
Who killed Princess Diana?
Account Manager: Bill Coad
[email protected]
The truth behind the Bermuda Triangle
Account Manager: Matt Gill
[email protected]
Marketing Assistant: Gemma Reeve
[email protected]
Why is it so difficult to find shoes that don't fall off my
feet, without being too small?!
Senior Designer: Lee Telot
[email protected]
Assistant Designer: Tom Davies
[email protected]
Production: Charlie Burns
[email protected]
How comes ant hills don't get flooded in extreme
weather events?
Travel Bulletin is published by
Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,
SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661
Printed by: Buxton Press
Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas
ISSN: 0956-2419
ALL ROADS NORTH
has introduced a new take on the traditional American road trip, with each journey
custom designed from the ground up by a specialist, a handpicked collection of the
finest hotels and insider experiences brought to life by local doyens. Guests are offered
a custom-made guide based on their interests, which outlines the best routes and
places to stop, and each client is provided with a US mobile phone, pre-loaded with their
itinerary, contacts and road trip playlists. As an example of itineraries, a Charleston,
Savannah and the Golden Isles travels through the Lowcountry of South Carolina and
Georgia with highlights including a private dinner at a plantation house, exploring
Savannah with a renowned historian and watching nesting sea turtles on an island
getaway. The ten-day trip costs from $3,595 per person.
puzzlesolutions
Crossword:
Across: 1. AVRO, 3. BREST, 7. SHYLOCK, 8. DAN, 9. LIMA, 10. HERM, 13. LOOE, 15. GOBI, 18. TAS, 19. VILNIUS, 20. IPSOS, 21. GHAN.
Down: 1. ARSENAL, 2. RIYAL, 3. BAKU, 4. EDDIE, 5. TUN, 6. SOMME, 11. MADISON, 12. POOLE, 14. OASIS, 16. IRISH, 17. AVIS, 18. TUI.
@TravelBulletin
Highlighted Word: RHODES
Travagrams: (top) andBeyond
TravelBulletin
28
June 5 2015
(bottom) Innsbruck
Where Am I?: Reno

NOW ON SALE - Travel Bulletin

Transcription

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