travel bulletin 19th october 2012

New tours, hotellaunches & the latest

operator deals

CanadaOctober 19 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,799 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinwin a trip to Las Vegas withFunway Holidays

the conventionthe latest news from the 2012ABTA Convention in Belek,Turkey

weddings &honeymoonsemerging honeymoontrends plus newwedding packages

malta & gozoMTA & Air Malta reward agentswith new trade offer

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this week

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EasternMediterranean

Your one-stop guideto all the latest news and developments

in the Eastern Mediterranean

All About the

October 2012

with this issue

DON’T MISS...

TB1910 2012 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 17/10/2012 13:45

S01 TB1910 Start_Layout 1 17/10/2012 12:22

PERU PARTY...Cox & Kings recently took nine agents on a 12-day fam to Peru in partnership with PromPeru. Agentsspent three nights on the Amazon river cruiser, MV Aria, before taking Machu Picchu, Cuzco and the Sacred Valley.Pictured are, from the left: Sally Faulkner, Quality Travel; Kate Hately, Norseman Travel; Andrew Reed, Bath Travel;Jackie Denham, Langley Travel; Gwen Austin, Travel Club Elite; Katie Cunningham, Somewhere 2 Travel 2; MarkStacey, Cox & Kings Travel; Caroline Fenech, Miles Morgan Travel; Claudia Zakrzewski, PromPeru; and Jane Zollo andJack Leaf, Travel Counsellors.

This Week3 news

a round-up of the latestindustry developments &announcements

8 agent reviewfind out what one agentthought of the PinewoodApartments in Turkey

9 agent bulletinwin a trip to Las Vegas withFunway Holidays

11 puzzle bulletincomplete the crossword foryour chance to win £50Pizza Express vouchers

12 ABTA Conventionnews from the ABTAConvention in Belek, Turkey

15 traininga round-up of the latesttraining courses & modules

16 personality bulletinwhich trade sales managersays that manners costnothing?

17 canadanew tours, hotel launches &the latest operator deals

23 weddings & honeymoonsemerging honeymoon trendsplus new wedding packages

27 malta & gozoMTA & Air Malta rewardagents with new trade offer

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newsbulletin

A NEW study conducted by bonvoyage.co.ukhas given an insight into Britons’ spendinghabits when it comes to souvenirs onholiday and compares how spending habitsdiffer between various holidays.

The poll included 2,005 Brits aged 18 andover, of which 1,002 respondents went on a‘dry land’ holiday for their last trip abroad,while the remaining 1,003 went on a cruise.Each respondent had been away for aseven-day period.

The study asked respondents if they hadpurchased souvenirs on their last holidayabroad, to which 89% said ‘yes’.

The survey found that the average spendon souvenirs by people on dry land holidays

was £17.14, while cruise holidaymakersspent almost three times that, with anaverage of £58.60.

When asked why they had purchasedsouvenirs, 64% of cruise respondentsclaimed to feel tempted due to the multiplecities they had visited, while 49% of dryland holidaymakers had done so as to‘purchase items cheaper than at home’.Some 55% of the cruisers had also bought‘one souvenir per port’ that they hadvisited.

The most popular souvenirs bought bycruise-goers were ‘trinkets/items for thehome’ while dry land holidaymakerspreferred local alcohol.

September storms boost October half-term bookingsOCTOBER HALF-TERM bookings have seen a sharp increase due to the worst Septemberstorms for more than 30 years, according to car hire comparison site comparecarhire.co.uk The company says that the recent bad weather has resulted in an increase in demand forlocations such as Spain, Turkey and Portugal as families look to escape the UK weather.

According to the comparison site, there are some great deals available on flights andaccommodation as well as car hire even though there is high demand over half-term week.

Andy Hemmington, spokesperson for the company, said: “For some families theSeptember storms have dampened spirits and driven Brits to book a break in the sun forhalf-term. The weather is still warm in Europe’s most popular holiday destinations inOctober, particularly when compared with the weather in the UK, so it still remains a busyperiod for the travel industry. However, this doesn’t mean prices need to be high – thereare some great deals out there to be had by holidaymakers.”

A week’s half-term car hire from both Malaga or Faro Airport starts from £6 per day andexploring the Spanish island of Majorca by car starts from £9 per day, picking up a vehiclefrom Palma de Mallorca airport.For more information visit www.comparecarhire.co.uk

Cruisers spend three times average amount on souvenirs

14 W-AITO-Go!Oliver Broad asks whathappened to the consumercampaign on ATOL certificates

S01 TB1910 Start_Layout 1 17/10/2012 12:22

GUESTS CAN join DoSomethingDifferent.com on anightclub pilgrimage to Las Vegas and experience itsnew VIP Nightclub Tours along the strip.

For £47, guests will visit one of the Ultra Loungeswhere a VIP host will meet the group and take them tothe Limo Party Bus, which includes a complimentaryopen bar. The group will then be taken to three A-listnightclubs such as The Bank Nightclub in Bellagio, Purein Caesar’s Palace, TAO Nightclub inside the Venetianand LAX Nightclub in the Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Also available is the Las Vegas Nightlife VIPExperience by Limousine package, where guests cantour the strip in a personal luxury limousine stockedwith limitless Champagne and cocktails before stoppingat an Ultra Lounge and nightclub. Prices lead in at £104per adult or £189 with a meal.For more information call 020-8090 3890 or visit www.dosomethingdifferent.com

ADVANTAGE IS hosting ATOL holders’ agencyagreements from the consortium’s preferred partnerson its members’ intranet, to simplify the new agencyagreements process.

Any members who make bookings with ATOL holdersin accordance with the commercial terms that theoperator has negotiated can access the appropriateagency agreement on the intranet.

The system will automatically populate the agencyagreement with the member's name to ensurecompliance with the requirement to have an agreementin place between the ATOL holder and the agent.

Advantage simplifies agencyagreements on members’ intranet

DoSomethingDifferent offers Las Vegas nightclub tours

www.travelbulletin.co.ukOctober 19 20124

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CHEQUE IT OUT...Jetset recently ran a Virgin Atlantic-sponsoredpromotion of its weekly Lotto incentive entitled "Super 6".Pictured is Jane Williams (right) of Toucan Travel in Chineham,who was one of the four jackpot winners, receiving her cheque for£600 from Jetset's southern sales executive, Nisha Tailor.

Early release of African Pride's 2013 edition

AFRICAN PRIDE has launched its 2013 brochure a monthearly to enable agents to capitalise on demand for 2013holidays, with October being a traditionally strongmonth for bookings to Africa.

The brochure offers a range of tailor-made optionsthroughout southern and east Africa, with a new 13-daytour of Ethiopia among the highlights.

An Addis Ababa round-trip, which costs from £3,320per person, takes in Gondar, the Simien Mountains andLalibela, and features the source of the Blue Nile, 17thcentury castles and historic churches.

Also new for next year is a range of options designedto cater for the growing number of consumers lookingfor authentic local experiences and to explore new orlesser-travelled areas. These include a seven-dayprivate mobile camping safari in Tanzania, which costsfrom £2,341 per person and an eight-day MountKilimanjaro climb from £1,415.

OMAN AIR has launched a range of special offers onflights from Heathrow via Muscat.

The airline is currently offering 10% off standardticket prices in Economy and Business Class availableonline at www.omanair.com, and for passengers flyingon a Sunday this month, a 20% discount is alsoavailable.

Special offers include Heathrow via Muscat toBangkok from £616, Kuala Lumpur from £599, Colombofrom £551, Dubai from £388 and Abu Dhabi from £388.Bookings can be made until December 10 and pricesquoted are for return Economy fares and include taxes.

LEGER HOLIDAYS has launched itsnew Christmas Markets brochure, withtours running from the last week ofNovember to mid-December andprices starting from £129 per personfor three days. Destinations includeGermany, Belgium, France,Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austriaand the UK.

One of the highlights is a tour which

combines a four-or five-day cruise onthe river Rhine with visits to threeChristmas Markets in Germany.Another tour offers the opportunity tovisit the underground Christmasmarket in Valkenburg, set in theGemeentegrot cave.

As an example of prices, a four-dayfull board Cruising the ChristmasMarkets of the Rhine Valley leads in at

£369 (five days from £479) and visitsfestive attractions in Cologne,Rüdeshiem and Koblenz. The pricealso includes a Captain’s Dinner, travelby executive coach and free local pickup points. Departures are availableduring November and December.For information or to book visitwww.legerbreaks.info or call 0844-504 6250.

Price reductions from Oman Air

Leger Holidays issues Christmas Markets brochure with prices from £129

iCity Cruises offers visit to set of SkyfallTHE ROYAL Naval College is featured in Skyfall, the latestinstallment of the Bond franchise premiering onNovember 9 and City Cruises' Red Rover tickets allowguests the flexibility of exploring the destination, withcruises departing every 30 minutes from WestminsterPier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier.The shortest trips last between 20-30 minutes, while thefull experience takes guests on a three-hour round trip.Prices for single tickets cost from £8.40 per adult withspecial rates for senior citizens, children under 16 andstudents with a valid ID.For details visit www.citycruises.com or call 020-7740 0400.

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Caribbean Airlinesadds third weeklyflight to Trinidad FROM NOVEMBER 21,Caribbean Airlines willcommence a third weeklynon-stop service betweenGatwick and Port of Spain,Trinidad.

Flights will operate onTuesdays, with a returnflight to Trinidad onWednesday, in addition toflights already in operationex Trinidad on Thursdaysand Saturdays and exLondon on Fridays andSundays.

The new service willalso offer onwardconnections to Tobago,Barbados, andGeorgetown, Guyana.

Compagnie du Ponant unveils newitineraries for summer 2013COMPAGNIE DU Ponant has introduced its summer 2013collection on a selection of its yachts - Le Boréal, L’Austral,Le Soléal and Le Ponant. From April to November they willbe sailing across the Arctic, Northern Europe, Asia and theMediterranean with new itineraries.

As an example, a 12-day Great North and the Arctic touron Le Soléal explores the volcanic Kamtchatka Peninsulaand its nature reserves, which are UNESCO World Heritagesites. Home to brown bears, sea lions and bird colonies,the region is renowned for its scenery, including its fjordsand the Geyser Valley. Departing on September 24, 2013,the tour costs from £5,252 per person including flightsfrom Paris.

The line has also invited passengers to discover newthemed cruises in partnership with various media outletsand partners. Guests will be able to participate inworkshops, conferences and courses includingphotography, economy and wealth management, Celticculture, southern flavours, lifestyle and beauty.Pre- and post-cruise programmes are also available.For more information or to book visit www.ponant.com or call 0800-980 4027.

INSIGHT VACATIONS has launched its 2013 Europe andBritain programme with a host of new activities andupgrades including seven new tours and extensions.

To mark the occasion, the company has launched an earlypayment discount across its European programme, whereclients booking a premium or luxury escorted journey willsave 10% per person on the itinerary (land-only) when paidfor before December 27.

New to the premium range is a nine-day Highlights ofPortugal tour which leads in at £1,525 per person. Guestswill visit the Roman temple in Evora along with the Templar

Castle and the remains of Henry the Navigator’s fortress inSagres.

Alternatively, a new 14-day Treasures of Greece and theIslands costs from £2,750 per person. Guests will learnabout the origins of the Olympic Games and Greek mythsand legends, as well as visiting a submerged volcano inSantorini and experiencing a lively celebration dinner inKalambaka.

Both tour prices are based on two people sharing a twin-room and include flights. For more information visit www.insightvacations.com

Insight Vacations adds new activities & upgrades to 2013 Europe and Britain programme

newsbulletinGULET GROUP...Mosaic Holidays recently hosted a fam to Istanbul andBodrum, with co-hosts Kempinski Hotels, Turkish Airlines and TanturTurizm, to highlight to agents the luxury options in Turkey. Pictured atthe Kempinski Barbaros Bay, Bodrum admiring the marina's guletsare, from the left: (back row): Alan Blinn-Haynes, UltimateDestinations; Victoria Curnick, Travellers World; Natalie Thompson,Premier Travel; Simon Wallace, Mosaic Holidays; and PaulineStoneman , Travelux; with (front row): Annette Ross,Travel Stop; Emma Beck, Designer Travel; JacquelineWhyte, Travel Bureau; Linda Shotter, Ashdown Travel;Dominic Smith, Kempinski Hotels; and Steve

Wilkinson, Mosaic Holidays.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@GoMallorcaWhat to do on a sunnyOct afternoon? Take atrip to #Mallorca'swinelands on the WineExpress -http://myde.st/OXYWuj

@cruiseguidesCruise lines reveal shipfacelifts: A number ofcruise lines are planningmillion-dollar refurbs fortheir ships...http://bit.ly/VYzLJT

@AffordableCHA recent survey showed85% of UK drivers alwaysremember to pack onething when drivingabroad - their lunch!

@HaslemereTravelBuy 1 get 1 free toBermuda - book before17th Nov 2013 for travelup to 31st Mar 2013 - 2ndtravellers BA flight iscomplimentary WOW!

@ButlinsYou could win a WaveHotel break! Follow@Butlins & RT this. Whenwe reach 20k followerssomeone wins a breakfor 4 http://ow.ly/enL9A

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

TravelBulletin

S02 TB1910 News 1_Layout 1 17/10/2012 10:49

FLYBE HAS extended the dates of six of its most popularski routes beyond Easter next year, and this includes anew Saturday service to Chambery from East MidlandsAirport.

Flights to Chambery from Birmingham have also beenextended to April 6 and flights from East Midlands andSouthampton to Chambery have been extended to April13. Meanwhile, flights to Geneva from the Isle of Manand Jersey are now running until April 6.

The airline is also offering two new additional returnflights from Southampton to Geneva every Saturday,effective from December 15. For more information see www.flybe.com

Flybe extends dates of popular winter ski routes


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Newsbites● VALUE INDIVIDUAL Parking has launched a new

Website where customers can book Heathrow parkingin five steps. The site also now features an extendedrange of services, including a Chauffeur Park service. See www.valueindividualparking.co.uk

● THE CROATIAN National Tourist Office reports that sofar this year, 241,443 British visitors have arrived inCroatia, a boost of 23% compared to the same periodlast year.

● SAUDI ARABIAN low-cost carrier, nasair, haspartnered with GDS provider, Travelport, to enable thecarrier to distribute its fares through the GDSchannel.

● THE GRENADA Board of Tourism has announced thatit will not be exhibiting at this year's World TravelMarket, but instead will focus on boosting conversionrates with operators and agents currently holdingcontracts with the island’s accommodation.

● TRAVELPORT HAS announced a new long-termagreement with Qantas Airways, which will ensureGalileo, Worldspan and Apollo-connected travelagents worldwide have access to the airline’s fullpublished inventory including ancillary content suchas paid seating, consistent with the airline’s Website.

● SYDNEY BASED cruise agent consortium Cruiseco,have announced the opening of a UK office and thepurchase of the domain address www.cruising.co.uk

● AIR CANADA and Aer Lingus have signed an interlineagreement to make flying between Ireland and Canadamore convenient. The agreement is a preliminary steptowards a full code sharing relationship expected tobe finalised next year between the two carriers.

Keeping an

i on AppsCONTIKI HOLIDAYS has launched

an iPhone app called Shout.It is free

and offers a means of travellers

connecting with each other.Pre-

departure, guests can download the

app and set up a profile to connect

with other travellers, through an

extension of the operator's

MeetUps tool. Whilst on the trip, the

app’s main feature is its timeline,

where photos, videos and messages

can be shared as well as post to

their Facebook and Twitter

accounts. For details see

www.contiki.com/iphone

BRITISH AIRWAYS has launched a

new app for its Leeds Bradford

Airport customers, which allows

them to check-in on their

smartphones.Executive Club iPhone

users can use the app to display

Mobile Boarding Passes, while

customers using Android and

Blackberry devices are also able to

benefit from a version of the new

app.The app gives customers real

flight information about their

bookings, full integration with their

Executive Club details and each

stage of their flight process.It also

provides improved flight

information, a travel news section,

FAQs, a Twitter news feed for

iPhone users, and a link to the

ba.com mobile website.

THE ATPI Group has launched anenhanced and updated version ofits ‘On the Go’ smart phone app. Itincludes flight booking functionalityfor scheduled and low-cost carriersand an improved mobile itinerary,where ticket numbers are recordedin all flight bookings. Performanceand speed of the app have beenoptimised, and security featureshave been upgraded. The app isavailable free for ATPI Groupcustomers via iPhone, Android andBlackberry. Additional featuresinclude a currency converter, worldclock, details of the company'soffice locations,telephone numbersand a destination guide. For detailssee www.atpi.com

MOVERS● DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS expanded its

marketing team with two new appointments, TomScott and Summa Barton, who will manage allaspects of trade marketing.

● THE FOUR-STAR Royal York Hotel in North Yorkshirehas appointed Gary Jenkins as executive head chef.

● MACDONALD HOTELS & Resorts has appointedElaine McCormack as director of sales.

● NICK TALBOT has joined Funway Holidays asmarketing manager.

● JURGEN AMMERSTORFER has been appointedgeneral manager at The Trafalgar Hotel in London.

● EDWIN BLYTHE has joined Zegrahm Expeditions aspresident.

S02 TB1910 News 1_Layout 1 17/10/2012 10:49

Superbreak offers theatre packages to ‘A Chorus Line’SUPERBREAK HAS launched packages to see ‘A Chorus Line’, which is returning to London’sWest End for the first time since 1976. Agents can now book theatre break packages that includeovernight accommodation and tickets to the show, which will run at The London Palladium fromFebruary 2–July 13, 2013.

The show takes a behind-the-scenes look at 17 hopefuls auditioning for eight places in a newBroadway musical.

Packages start from £142 per person including one night’s breakfast accommodation at thethree-star Days Inn Waterloo hotel and a ticket to the show.For more information call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

PLAIN SAILING….agents fromThomas Cook inCrosby, Liverpool,celebrated lastmonth's NationalCruise Week withspecial guestWayne Beard fromCruise andMaritime Voyages,who helpedintroducecustomers to theline’s 2013programme sailingfrom Liverpool.Pictured with theCMV 2013 brochureis Connor Renshawfrom Thomas Cook,Crosby.

Travelspherelaunches EuropeRiver CruiseCollectionTRAVELSPHERE HASlaunched its River CruiseCollection brochure,featuring river cruiseitineraries on its exclusivelychartered MS Serenade 1.

Prices lead-in at £1,119per person for a seven-dayRhine Explorer cruise,which visits Cologne, Bonnand Koblenz, with thechance to exploreAmsterdam.

The price includes full-board accommodation, aCaptain’s Gala Dinner,morning coffee, afternoontea, evening entertainment,Eurostar travel from StPancras, transfers and theservices of two cruiserepresentatives. For more information call01858-588406 or visitwww.travelsphere.co.uk

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S02 TB1910 News 1_Layout 1 17/10/2012 10:49

agentreviewChristopher Evans from Cruise.co.uk in South Wales

stayed at the Pinewood Apartments in Icmeler, Turkeywith Thomson for seven nights with his girlfriend. Here's

what he thought of the hotel...

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

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

First impressions ....................................9/10

On arrival we were met by a very friendly member of staff andtaken to our room promptly. The first thing that we noticedarriving at the hotel were the beautiful gardens & the pinetrees from which I assume the hotel gets its name.

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

The apartment was very clean and spacious, with maid serviceevery day. It also had a very clean kitchen area with allessentials provided. During the day the pool area was fantasticand had a very laidback feel.

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

For a three-star hotel everything was absolutely faultless. Ihave stayed in many four-star-plus properties that have nothad the same relaxed comfortable feeling. Everything in theapartment worked perfectly and the balcony had a lovely viewover the pool and garden area.

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

We paid just £360pp which for me was tremendous value.Turkey is fantastic value for money. Bottled water at the hotelwas just 1 Turkish lira (approximately 30p) you can get a fullEnglish Breakfast for 5 Turkish lira (£1.80) Around resort,prices were just as cheap with various restaurants offering athree-course set menu starting at 20 Turkish lira (£7).

Good to know ..................................................One restaurant I would certainly recommend was theWaterfall - fantastic food with an amazing setting next to anatural waterfall. Prices were a little higher than at some ofthe other restaurants but it was certainly worth every penny.

1010/

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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Make sure you enter our weekly crossword,sponsored by The Holiday Team. Full details can befound on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of this issue. Youcould be the lucky winner of £50 of Pizza Expressvouchers. Send your entries towww.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword

● Our All About The Eastern MediterraneanSupplement – inserted with this magazine – canalso be viewed in digital format onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk

● Destination Asia: Up to 50% hotel discounts andgreat incentives to be won on properties in China,Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore withTravelcube. Go to www.travelcube.com

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

Newsbites● MELIÁ HOTELS International and Microsoft Ibérica

have signed a partnership agreement aimed atpromoting innovative technology for the 350 hotelsthe company has in 35 countries. As part of theagreement, the hotel group will migrate its systemsto a model based on Microsoft cloud computingtechnology to strengthen its services and respond tothe increasingly sophisticated needs of a globalcustomer base.

● SIXT CAR Hire has opened a new branch in Edinburgh,the company's second outlet to open in the city. For details see www.sixt.co.uk

● A NEW terminal is to be built at Tocumen Airport inPanama, increasing the airport capacity to up to 18million passengers (double its current capacity) by 2014.

● THE REGIONAL tourist board of Champagne-Ardenne,in partnership with online travel agency Via-Voyages,has launched a new Champagne Pass (l’OenoPassChampagne). The product offers visitorsopportunities to discover and explore the world ofChampagne, from cellar visits and tastings tocultural and heritage sites at discounted prices. Thepass is available in two versions: five visits for €25(instead of €50) or ten visits for €50 (instead of €100).The pass is valid for one year and can be purchasedfrom www.oenopass.net

S02 TB1910 News 1_Layout 1 17/10/2012 10:49

● CLUB PARADISO Adventure is offering agents 12%commission on two packages to the South Pacific.The first is a 12-day/nine-night deal to Bora Bora,costing £2,244 plus airport taxes at £499 perperson. It includes flights, transfers, an overnightstopover in Los Angeles, an overnight stay in Tahiti,seven nights’ full-board accommodation at LeMaitai Polynesia Hotel, Bora Bora, and excursions.The second trip is a land-only eight-night packageto Bora Bora and includes the above apart fromflights and the Los Angeles stopover. Prices startfrom £1,400 per person. For details email [email protected] or visit www.clubparadiso.it

● TO CELEBRATE 20 years of US travel and with therecent launch of its new USA 2013 brochure,Funway Holidays is offering an agent and theirpartner the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas. Theprize includes four nights’ accommodation withtwo nights at The Venetian Resort in a VenetianSuite and two nights at The Palazzo in a Palazzo

Suite; flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick orManchester; and all airport taxes and fuelsurcharges. For a chance to win [email protected] online booking referencesmade from October 1-31. All entries will be putinto a prize draw and a winner will be selected atrandom. For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk

● AGENTS CAN win an Apple Macbook Air withTravel 2’s new incentive in partnership withTourism Victoria, Tourism NT, Qantas andTourism Australia. The operator is promotingholidays to the Northern Territory and agentshave the chance to win one of four AppleMacbook Airs by making a booking to Melbourne,Victoria and the Northern Territory with thecompany, including flights with Qantas beforeOctober 31. For each booking made, agents willreceive one entry into the prize draw. See www.travel2.com for full terms and conditions.

Fancya fam?CROISIEUROPE HASjoined the Associationof Cruise Experts(ACE) and to mark theoccasion, is offeringagents the chance toexperience a rivercruise on its next famfrom November 26-29,sailing on the Garonne& Dordogne rivers. Tobe in with a chance ofwinning a double cabinfor two people on theBordeaux cruise on afull board basis,agents should book aminimum of twocruises by November15. For details visitwww.croisieurope.travel,call 020-8328 1281 or [email protected]

WATERWAY WINNER...Claire Roberts (right) from Althams Travel in

Bury won a four-night break for four people on Sapphire, a luxury

boutique style narrowboat launched earlier this year, after winning the

top prize in Hoseasons' 'Fit For A Queen' promotion. Pictured presenting

Claire with her prize certificate is the operator's Sarah Smith.


Booking incentives

agentbulletin

S03 TB1910 News 2_Layout 1 17/10/2012 11:52

Family-friendly range from Sovereign SOVEREIGN LUXURY Travel has launched its first brochurededicated to families.

The Family Collection features 40 hotels across 22 family-friendly destinations.

The brochure features reviews of the latest family holidayapps, games, gadgets and travel products, along with offersfor October half-term, Christmas and summer 2013.

Offers include one free child place, an online discount anda 10% early booking discount for seven nights’ breakfastaccommodation at the Porto Sani Village & Spa in Halkidiki,Greece. Prices lead in at £3,045 per family of three, departingon May 27, 2013, including flights from Gatwick and privatetransfers. The price offers saving of up to £621 per family ofthree.For more information visit www.sovereign.com or call 0844-415 1936.

LOWCOSTBEDS REPORTS a year-on-year increase inlong-haul bookings of more than 150% since the recentlaunch of its new long-haul portfolio.

The largest increase has been in areas such asMexico, the Caribbean, Thailand and the US, with morethan 200% growth in these areas.

The operator’s new version of its XML gateway is nowbeing launched to the trade, which gives agents fasteraccess to its full range of hotels online.

The company has responded to demand for morelong-haul destinations by expanding its offering, withparticular focus on the Caribbean, Far East andAustralia, as well as increasing capacity in the US andMiddle East.

Other new destinations include Kenya, Gambia, TheMaldives, Mauritius and South America, with hotelssourced from international chains such as Centara,Hilton and the Barceló group.

MADE UP IN THE MED...Voyages of Discovery recently tookten agents on a ‘Voyage to the Mediterranean’ cruise, givingthem the chance to learn more about the line's experience.Pictured taking in the sights are, from the left: Neil Holmes,Cruise co.uk; Ruth Lincoln and Lyndsey Prestleton, MidCounties Co-op; Victoria Rabbitts, Bath Travel; and FazSidat, Cruise.co.uk

newsbulletin

lowcostbeds sees increase in long-haul bookings since launch of portfolio

S03 TB1910 News 2_Layout 1 17/10/2012 11:52

puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Irish bottle stopper!

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, October 25th. Solution and new puzzle

will appear next week.

The winner for 5th October is Lisa Gilham, The Co-operative Travel in Lincolnshire.

October 5 Solution: A=4 B=6 C=3 D=5

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 085

Travagrams

Where Am I?

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted bythe blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword tosubmit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prizedraw and one lucky winner will win £50 Pizza Express vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday October 25th.

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

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

085

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

Sponsored By

THE HOLIDAY TEAM IS A CONSOLIDATOR PROVIDING BEST VALUE FLIGHTS & PACKAGE HOLIDAYSTO BOOK CALL 020-8843 4300; www.theholidayteam.co.uk

This capital city is also possibly the most hated vegetable

Iran’s secret wine loving city

Rubs Less

irzhas

Across 1. Mauritius and Seychelles specialist, ___

Vacations (5)4. Capital of Fiji (4)7. Miami International airport code (3)8. Famous canal in Venice (5)9. Cheyenne is the state capital (7)11. She has replaced Claudia on It Takes Two (3)12. Australian state, in short (3)14. Welsh seaside town and castle (7)16. Country featured in the BBC documentary,

Welcome to ___ (5)18. Salzburg airport code (3)19. Villas operator, part of TUI (4)20. Sana'a is the capital (5)

Down 1. Actress starring in The Perks of Being a

Wallflower at a cinema near you (4,6)2. State bordering 9 Across (5)3. DFDS Seaways cross this Channel (7)4. South African Airways, initially (3)5. Capital of Liechtenstein (5)6. The Little Mermaid is a popular tourist

attraction in this city (10)10. DERTOUR specialises in holidays to this

country (7)13. Flows through Paris (5)15. Surrey town and racecourse (5)17. River in South Yorkshire or Spanish title (3)

Congratulations to Andrea Murphy, Miss Ellies Travel who won the5th October crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

S03 TB1910 News 2_Layout 1 17/10/2012 11:52

ABTA CHAIRMAN John McEwanpresented an overview of the yearsince the last Convention to delegates.He began by saying that consumertrends showed that a wet summerhelped pick up the lates market andthat value for money remained a keyfactor in consumers’ decision to take aholiday.

He also announced that positiveassociations with the brand continueto improve and that ABTA continues tobe the most recognised travel industrytrade body among UK consumers, witha 78% public recognition factor.

Consumers also continue to have aclear understanding of ABTA’s roleaccording to recent research, with 84%of those surveyed seeing the

association as representing itsmembers and 58% being aware ofABTA’s role in setting industrystandards. Other findings revealed thatsix in ten see ABTA as representingconsumer interest, an increase of 5%from 2011 and that seven out of tenpeople regard ABTA membership asessential or important when bookingtheir travel arrangements.

McEwan said: “We realise we needto do more to attract consumers toour members and that ABTA staysrelevant for the future. In the last yearwe have launched a number ofinitiatives aimed at raising awarenessof ABTA, particularly to youngerconsumers. They are our customers oftomorrow, if not today.”

LAURETTAWRIGHT reports

from the ABTA Travel

Convention inBelek, Turkey

John McEwan

ABTAtravelconvention


THE LATEST consumer trendssurvey by ABTA, the results ofwhich were released at theConvention, reveals that moreholidaymakers are bookingpackage holidays, with nearlyhalf (48%) of people bookingan overseas package holidaythis year, compared to 42% in2011 and 37% in 2010. Thetrend is particularly markedamong 35-44 year olds,where 51% said they hadbooked an overseas packageholiday in 2012, comparedwith just over a third (36%) in2011.

The survey also revealedthat there has been a slightdecrease in the number ofpeople booking and paying fortheir travel andaccommodation separately –or “DIY” bookings, with 39%

of people saying they bookedan overseas DIY holiday in2012 compared to 43% in2011.

Packages have also provenpopular for domestic holidaysthis year, with nearly aquarter (23%) booking a UKpackage holiday comparedwith one in ten (12%) in 2011and 14% in 2010. DIYholidays at home have alsoseen a slight decrease inpopularity with 36% bookingone last year compared to34% this year.

ABTA’s head ofcommunication VictoriaBacon said: “In recent yearsconsumers have come tovalue the security and costeffectiveness that packageholidays provide. At the sametime the market has also

evolved to offer greaterchoice to holidaymakers.Research shows safe andsecure accommodation,financial protection, ATOLprotection and ABTAmembership are at the top ofpeople’s booking essentialsand packages can offer all ofthese, plus an easy bookingprocess and great value formoney. Many people are alsorealising that there are ahuge variety of packageholidays now available.

“The market has evolvedmassively and is now verysophisticated, with packagesto cater for every taste andbudget – whether you wanttwo weeks all-inclusive in thesun, a cruise around Asia oran adventure holiday in SouthAmerica.”

Other findings in thesurvey included the numberof people booking anoverseas holiday through aHigh Street travel agenthas increased slightly thisyear to 27% compared to25% in 2011 and thatpeople feel more positivelytowards travel agents thanthey did a year ago, with40% saying that they valuethe services that a travelagent offers compared to30% last year.

A third (36%) ofrespondents also said theypreferred the reassuranceof dealing with a person, upfrom 28% in 2011. Womenand travellers aged 15-34were more likely thanaverage to value theservices of a travel agent.

Consumer trend survey: Package holidays on the rise while DIY holidays drop in popularity

McEwan highlights positive consumer perception of ABTA

Consumers get savvier about when to book RESEARCH FROM ABTA suggests that consumers are becoming savvier when it comes tochoosing when to book their holidays. Six in ten people (60%) said they had changed whenthey booked their holiday in the past 12 months, when compared to the same period in 2011,to take advantage of deals and greater availability.

A third (34%) of consumers booked their holiday further in advance this year, four in ten(40%) booked at the same time and a quarter (26%) booked closer to the departure date.

The top reasons cited for booking in advance were: better deals/cheaper prices (68%); toget better availability (56%); better choice (38%); to get time off work (28%) and the weatherin the UK (16%).

Those leaving it to the last minute also did so primarily because they believed they couldget a bargain. Better deals and cheaper prices was the number one reason for leaving itlate with six in ten (61%) people saying this was the reason for their delay. Other reasonsincluded: better choice (22%), the weather in the UK (22%) and worry about money and jobsecurity (21%).

S03 TB1910 News 2_Layout 1 17/10/2012 11:52

TURKISH DELIGHTS...pictured enjoying a networking reception at the Convention are, from the left: Paul Hardwick, Hardwick Thorpe Travel;Carol Wootton and Caroline North, Thornton’s Travel Service; Angela Flynn, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and David Hearn, Ocean World Travel.


IN A session that looked at how to spotfuture trends and capitalise on them,the managing director and founder ofThe Next Big Thing, William Higham,predicted that consumers willincreasingly return to travel agents forhelp and advice as they become moreoverwhelmed with technology and startto “drown in data”.

He said: "I believe that in the futureyou are going to get people coming backto travel agents for help and advice. Butit’s not just about offering cheapness,it’s also about value. Consumers arevery savvy so think about ways you canoffer value to the public.

“By 2016 there will be more mobiledevices on the planet than people. Buttechnology is exhausting, so a big trend

that I predict will increase over the nextcouple of years will be the digital detox,where people want to travel to placeswhere they can’t be contacted.”

In the meantime travel companiesshould be making the most of theirclients researching on theirsmartphones and tablets he tolddelegates.

He said: “Smartphones and tabletsare acting as electronic guidebooks andconsumers have only just scratched thesurface of this. It could be a real money-making scheme and you as businessescan own this. If you can work to developyour own app or electronic guidebook –do it.

“In terms of changes in the economy,think how you can entice potential

customers with vouchers, discounts andincentives. As increasing numbers ofpeople are more concerned with jobsecurity, a holiday that allows them togain a new skill or take part involuntourism is something that peoplerespond well to.

“There are now more single parentsas there are married or co-habitingcouples, so many consumers willappreciate discounts for single travellersor smaller families. Equally, we’reseeing a growth in larger threegeneration families. By 2020 we willhave the most three generation familiesthis country has ever seen, sobusinesses should bear in mind howthey can create holidays for thesepeople.”

Next Big Thing boss predicts return to travel agents as consumers drown in data

InBrief● SPEAKING ABOUT his experience and learning lessons

from his appearance on TV show, The Undercover Boss,Kevin Sheehan, CEO & president of Norwegian CruiseLine, said: “We live in a world where nothing is consistentso you have to be proactive. There are always things thatyou can improve upon. Make sure you never overpromiseand under deliver because you’ll lose your credibility.”

● VISITENGLAND PLANS to run a £2million TV campaignpromoting holidays at home and will work with UK touroperators to support the campaign with offers/exclusiveproducts. Chair of VisitEngland Lady Cobham said: “We’reasking retailers to support the campaign with ‘in kind’marketing activity and engage with us and our partnersthrough our online training, EnglandExpert, and events.”

● GRAHAM COOKE, MD and founder of QuBit, urgeddelegates at this year’s Convention to get an onlinestrategy. He said: “More people are using tablets to buyholidays so as businesses you need to create a connectionwith your customers. You can do this in many waysincluding having a mobile site and using Big Data tocapture information on customers visiting your site. Thisis the single greatest opportunity to sell more effectively.”

Cooke also highlighted how ‘tag management’ is a newrevolution and how businesses can use ‘personalisedpersuasion’ to drive big results. He said: “Personalisationallows you to connect with the visitor and it targets visitorslike Adwords do. Technology has the potential to make usmove faster and helps you get closer to your clients. Apersonalised Website can be your best salesperson andthe most important thing you can be developing right nowis a data strategy. If you’re not fast enough you couldpotentially miss out.”

● NEXT YEAR’S Convention will be held in Dubrovnik,Croatia from October 21-23.

● SCOTT BAUER, partner at PwC Digital Technology Group,spoke about digital’s affect on travel and highlighted how38% of all revenue in travel is done through online salescompared to 6% retail. He said: “Social media is very closeto travel. Google statistics show that immediate activitythat follows any online travel booking is to visit socialmedia sites. Travel is the number 1 category in digitalcommerce across the Web and mobile. As sites areoptimised and increasing numbers of companies releaseapps, these figures will grow.”

ABTAtravelconvention

S03 TB1910 News 2_Layout 1 17/10/2012 11:52

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

W-AITO-Go!by OLIVER BROAD


I’M WRITING this article two weeks into the new ATOLcertificate era - and what a fortnight it has been! Initially Ithought that the idea of issuing certificates to clients would

be a great benefit to agents; in effect, we’d be handing over aseal-of-approval to the customer. In what continues to be adifficult trading period for independent agents, I assumedthat providing our clients with a certificate of authenticationwould add value to booking with us. I was open-minded aboutthe whole project, even when many people were up in arms.

Of course, I was sceptical about the administration, theextra work, possible investment, and the daunting thoughtthat we would have to get used to our 150+ suppliers dealingwith this new administrative duty in different ways.

Whilst I still believe that issuing the certificates adds valueand encourages consumers to book through a trustedcompany - as opposed to booking the various components oftheir holiday themselves - there are clearly a lot ofimprovements that need to be made.

What worries me the most is the lack of consumerknowledge - where on earth is the much-discussed CAAconsumer campaign that I, amongst others, stressed stronglyto the CAA via the travel trade pages should be launched atthe same time as the certificate? Very few of our clients areaware of the changes and this doesn’t make our lives anyeasier. HM Revenue and Customs start promoting thedeadline for tax returns over six months before you could befined and the CAA should have done the same in the lead-upto the new ATOL regulations. Consumers are not taking itseriously and I will be intrigued to see how many actuallytake the certificate on holiday with them. I hope I am provedwrong but, with such a total lack of consumer awareness, theproject is at serious risk of being a big flop.

Whilst it is beneficial to us as a travel agent to have theopportunity to explain the certificate and the fact that it addsvalue to our service, consumer awareness to back this up isimperative. At present, due to the lack of consumerawareness, we are struggling to make the public fullyunderstand and appreciate what it all means.

In our agency, we are actually quite lucky as our databaseguru has integrated the issuing of the certificate into oursystem so there is not really any additional time needed byour team to print one off when required – I feel for thosehaving to type them out. What is time-consuming for us, isworking out if we need to generate the certificate ourselvesor to get one from the tour operator.

Thankfully our AITO partners have been very prompt atsending them through, but this isn’t the case with others,which is very disappointing. A perfect example is the client

that called in at 5.15pm to book a holiday and pay a deposit -and yet the tour operator cannot send me an ATOL certificateuntil the next morning. Another tour operator said I had toissue it myself - that’s fine - but they wouldn’t tell me theairline they were chartering as they didn’t know yet and so,according to the rules I’ve seen, when they do know, I have toissue the certificate again – causing more confusion for theconsumer. Other key people in the industry advise that it’s notnecessary to issue the certificate again in this instance – sohow do any of us know what is actually required of us, withsuch conflicting information?

Customers also need educating about who exactly isprotecting them – it states in the middle of the certificate thatthe operator is covering them, but at the end it says it is‘issued by the travel agent’. More worryingly, many clientsthink that the certificate is a replacement for travelinsurance. I am dreading the day when something goeswrong with someone’s holiday and a client comes to mewaving their ATOL certificate and I have to explain to themwhat ‘issued by’ really means.

Part of my role as chairman of AITO Specialist TravelAgents is to encourage more operators to work through ouragents – for example, through our Closer Ties agreement.But yet more paperwork and issues caused by the ATOLreform can threaten such development.

However, let’s be positive for a moment. One advantage isthat the more confused the consumer is, the more likely theyare to want to speak to a tried and trusted, independent,reputable company, such as an AITO Specialist Travel Agent.Hopefully it will also remind consumers to seek outreassurance of who they are placing their booking with andencourage them to look for the AITO and ABTA logos,avoiding booking with those bending the rules and operatingwithout bonds. I am determined to try to keep an open mind- watch this space! But a final plea to the CAA – please getyour consumer campaign on the go, because it will help usall!

ATOL certificates – whatever happened to the much-discussed consumer campaign?!

opinionbulletin

S04 TB1910 Training_Layout 1 17/10/2012 11:11

ACE increases e-learning opportunitiesACE HAS launched ten new e-learning modulesspecifically designed to help agents increase theircruise sales.

The modules include switch-selling, up-selling andadding value. The modules also contain guidelines andreal examples to ensure that key messages are clearlyunderstood.

A further ten courses will be introduced soon and willfocus on niche sectors and products within cruising.

Also, newly launched is a cruise search platform forthe association's Website, which will assist memberswith general cruise enquiries as well as give them anunderstanding of the deployment of cruise ships.For details call 020-7436 2449, email [email protected] or see discovercruises.co.uk

Tourism Irelandissues newmoduleTOURISM IRELAND’SeLearning course has nowbeen revised to contain anew module focusingsolely on NorthernIreland.

Agents completing themodule by October 31 willbe entered in to a draw towin one of 50 luxury travelbags.For details seewww.shamrockagents.com

BRIGHTENING UP LANCASHIRE….Preston was the venue for Bright’s (Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training)latest workshop and dinner for 41 independent agents from 23 local agencies. Pictured are, from the left: Lyndy Holmes; JonathanWhiteley; Julie Taylor and Emma Hart, all from Gullivers Travels. The workshops offered travel agent partners the latest information ondestinations, unique selling points and updates on new programmes and services. For details of other workshops see www.brightconsortia.com or email [email protected]


Win a trip to Brugeswith Riviera Travel

RIVIERA TRAVEL haslaunched a new eLearningcourse viaOnlinetraveltraining (OTT).Agents who complete thecourse before the end ofthe year will be enteredinto a competition to win amini-tour to Bruges onEurostar. For more information seewww.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk/riviera.aspx

AGENTS COMPLETING five online training modulesdevised by The Lufthansa Group will be entered into adraw to win one of four pairs of Business Class ticketsto a variety of European destinations, along with otherprizes.

The carrier has designed the new course to help agentslearn about its four carriers: Lufthansa; Austrian Airlines;Brussels Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines.For more information visitwww.lufthansagrouptraining.com

Learn with Lufthansa to win Business Class tickets to Europe

training


personalitybulletin


Who is your ideal travelling companion?My friend Rachel.

What's your earliest childhood memory? Learning to ride my pony, Merlin,when I was around three years old.

Where was your last work-related trip? I hosted a fam to Dubai in July.

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Angelina Jolie because she isabsolutely stunning and is married toBrad Pitt.

What is the best advice you recall?Manners cost nothing and treatpeople the way in which you wouldlike to be treated.

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

What's your favourite city and why? New York so I can embrace my innerCarrie Bradshaw.

If you were not doing this job,what would you be doing? I would be a vet if I could suss thephysics aspect out.

What is your favourite mode of travel? Cruising round in my Mini singingalong to the radio or BA First classisn’t bad either.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?I would be invisible for a day so Icould spy on my friends and family.

Rebecca Burgess The trade sales manager from Caribtours and ThePrivate Travel Company enjoys horse riding but

dislikes price matching...

What item do you always take with you when travelling? Hair straightners (it’s the humidity!)

What's your favourite airline and why?BA.

How do you deal with stress?I’ll go running or horse riding if I’mbeing healthy. Failing that a largeglass of wine.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? I dislike price matching and onlinecompanies who undercut reputabletour operators.

What’s your favourite movie of all time? The Shawshank Redemption or DirtyDancing.

What do you love about your job? I love the team I work with.Developing relationships with ourtravel agent partners and of coursegetting to travel and experiencesome of the most exotic destinationson the planet.

Career path● 1998 – Customer service agent,

British Airways ● 2001 – 2003 Reservations manager -

Tropical Places ● 2003 – Travel advisor - Caribtours ● 2004 – Reservations supervisor -

Caribtours ● 2008 – Agency sales executive -

Caribtours and The Private TravelCompany

● 2011 – Trade sales manager -Caribtours and The Private TravelCompany

“I dislikeprice matching

and onlinecompanies who

undercut reputabletour operators”


COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays has added a new tour to its 2013/14 brochure,bringing the total number of its Canada tours to five. The nine-day Rockies RailHighlights features an overnight journey from Jasper to Vancouver on VIA Rail’sThe Canadian and gives guests the opportunity to stand on glacial ice more than1,000ft thick at the Columbia Icefields, spend three nights at The Fairmont BanffSprings Hotel, take a day trip to Yoho National Park and view Emerald Lake andPeyto Lake. Prices lead in at £2,699 per person, including 11 meals and an earlybooking offer of £150 per couple.


canada

THE CANADIAN Tourism Commission (CTC) will becelebrating at this year's World Travel Market (WTM), asthis year marks 50 years since the opening of a Canadiantourist office in the UK. It will also be celebrating 21 yearsof its Canada Specialist Training programme.

Canadian tourism partners exhibiting alongside the CTCcan be found at stand NA300, with new exhibitorsincluding Guananoque Boat Line; One Ocean expeditions;Butchart Gardens; and the Sandman Hotel Group/TheSutton Place Hotel Company.

The organisation will be promoting its Signature

Experiences Collection (SEC), which helps qualifiedtourism businesses promote their products internationally.

Canadian tourism brands such as Rocky Mountaineer,Via Rail and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will also berepresented at the event, along with a total ofapproximately 30 partners.

Qualified Canada Specialist Agents who introducethemselves at the CTC counter will receive a 21stbirthday gift. To register and complete the training module in advance ofWTM see www.canadaspecialist.co.uk

Canadian Tourism Commission celebrates 50 years at World Travel Market

Hallowe'en fun in OntarioONTARIO IS highlighting a selection of attractions forHallowe'en, including a stay in a former prison cell at theHi-Ottawa Hostel in downtown Ottawa.

The property is on the site of the former Carleton Countyjail and was Canada’s last public hanging location. It has110 beds in total and offers shared and private cells, alongwith a ghost walking tour of Ottawa.

Elsewhere in the province, the Fairmont Chateau Laurieris reportedly haunted by its financier, who was on the ill-fated Titanic, while the Old Angel Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake is Ontario’s oldest operating inn and is supposedlyhaunted by a soldier from the War of 1812. For more information visit www.ontariotravel.net/uk

VIRGIN HOLIDAYS is introducing new tours in Canada for2013.

As an example, a 15-day tour to Toronto, whichincludes Air Canada flights, accommodation andsightseeing encompassing Kochi Toronto, a river cruisein the Thousand Islands region, Quebec City,Battlefields Park and Ottawa, leads in at £2,145 basedon two adults sharing on a mixed board basis.

The price also includes transfers and all applicabletaxes and fuel surcharges. For more information call 0844-225 1235 or visitwww.virginholidaysjourneys.co.uk

New Canada options from Virgin Holidays

S05 TB1910 Canada_Layout 1 17/10/2012 12:08


FOUR SEASONS has opened its flagship property in Toronto.The hotel has been designed with business visitors in mindand features a building connected to the hotel dedicatedentirely to event space, including 17 function spaces across14,300 sq ft, including two large event rooms. The hotel offers259 personalised rooms and 42 individual suites, eachfeaturing luxury amenities, climate control, interactive tabletsand contemporary bathrooms.

PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has expanded its choice of Canadianski holidays for winter 2012/13.

Now included are the ski resorts of SunPeaks, Big Whiteand Fernie as well as new hotels in Whistler, British Columbia.

A new two-centre break that features Montreal and Quebecis now available, including a one-night stay in Montreal’s icehotel, Hotel de Glace; a two-night stay in Le Nouvel Hotel; anda three-hour tour of Montreal. There is also a scenic railjourney to Quebec taking in the northern shore of the StLawrence River, with an overnight stay at Hotel Pur.

The tour features room-only accommodation in hotelsexcept Hotel de Glace, where breakfast is included, along withflights from Heathrow.

Other escapes in the winter programme include a three-or four-night Aurora Borealis viewing break in the Yukon;three- and five-night polar bear viewing trips in Manitoba;and a passage to the Maritimes tour featuring a rail journeyfrom Montreal to Halifax with sightseeing excursions.

There is also a choice of winter adventure breaks and aselection of rail journeys on Canada’s famous Via Railservice, plus a journey on the Snow train through Jasperand Banff’s National Parks.For more information call 01502-567222 or visitwww.prestigeholidays.co.uk

Prestige offers new range ofCanadian ski holidays

InBrief● AIR CANADA has been named the ‘Best International

Airline in North America’ in a worldwide survey of airtravellers for the Skytrax World Airline Awards. It is thethird consecutive year the carrier has ranked among thetop global carriers in the awards, which surveyed morethan 18million passengers worldwide.

● AUBERGE SAINT-Antoine, located in the Old City ofQuebec is offering a Grape Harvest package for guestswho enjoy fine wine and gourmet meals. After harvestinggrapes at Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille, guests can samplesome of the vineyard’s wines with a gourmet meal. Thepackage is available from October 24-26.

HALLOWE'EN HOWLERS...catching up on all the latest news in Travel Bulletin are, from the left: Linda Reed, Baldwins Travel; RichardSturgeon, Jimmy Martin Travel; and Amanda Glass, CAS Travel. The agents were part of a Prestige Holidays' fam trip, which took inBermuda and Toronto, and are pictured enjoying Hallowe’en at Niagara on the Lake.

canada


FRESH TRACKS Canada is offering incentives of up toUS$1,500 (£928) per couple on free hotel nights and tours.

Offers are valid for guests booking a holiday of six nightsor more by November 30 for qualifying 2013 itineraries.

Incentives include a combination of free nights andgourmet dining, guided tours, wildlife excursions or heli-tours in the guests’ chosen destination.

The 2013 Early Bird Booking offer is valid for lodge trips,wildlife viewing tours and train tours of six nights or more(or self-drive trips across Canada of 12 nights or more) inspring, summer or autumn next year.

Deals are based on double occupancy and cannot becombined with other offers. For more information or to receive a brochure call 0800-917 5924 or visit www.freshtrackscanada.com

Fresh Tracks Canada offers up to £928per couple on free nights and tours


SHANGRI-LA HOTEL in Toronto has opened on University Avenue. Thehotel occupies the first 17 floors of a new 66-storey landmark towerand features 202 guest rooms. Each room is equipped with anentertainment centre featuring a 47-inch flat-screen LED TV, iPad andICE technology that puts the hotel in the guest’s hands to access in-room dining, housekeeping, bell service and 24-hour concierge. Nineguest rooms feature private, appointed outdoor terraces and onequarter of the guest accommodation is devoted to suites.For details visit www.shangri-la.com/toronto/shangrila

ATLANTIC CANADA has announced that Newfoundland andLabrador’s first five-star luxury resort will open on FogoIsland in spring next year.

The eco-chic hotel has been built on stilts to avoiddamage to the rocks and lichen that make up the island.

With rooms tipped to be prebooking at $1,000 (£618) pernight, it will feature 29 guestrooms, a rooftop sauna andspa, art gallery and cinema.

Also new to the operator's programme is the TrainStation Inn in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, which consistsof seven train carriages that have been transformed intoguest rooms. The inn includes a dining car offering dishessuch as fresh lobster tails and poached Atlantic salmon,with a night’s breakfast accommodation costingapproximately £63 per person. For more information visit www.atlanticcanadaholiday.co.uk

Five-star resort to open on Newfoundland and Labrador’s Fogo Island

Canada named top country to visitaccording to new studyCANADA IS this year’s most recommended destination tovisit, according to a study by The Reputation Institute.

The survey measured public opinion towards 50 countries,as well as perceptions of peoples’ quality of life, safety andattention to the environment.

The results for Canada included it being the toprecommended country to visit (up from number 3 last year);the most recommended country in which to invest (up fromnumber 3); the most recommended country in which to live,the second most recommended country in which to buy; andthe top recommended country in which to work.

canada



canada

NEW FOR this season, Inghams hasintroduced a two-day add-on excursion toSkoki Lodge by snowshoe.

Accessed by an 11km trail up the SkokiValley, the lodge was the chosen spot ofWilliam and Kate when they visitedCanada last year, and offers guests theopportunity to explore five differentadjoining valleys and experience countryskiing at the centre of Banff NationalPark.

The main lodge has three surroundingcabins providing accommodation for 22guests.

The ‘Skoki Lodge two-day Explorer’leads in at £149 per person on a half-board basis and includes a guide for aseven-mile hike and snowshoe hire.

The operator is also highlighting a newall-inclusive stay at the Great DivideLodge, Lake Louise, where one-weekprices lead in at £1,324 per personincluding flights, transfers, Lake Louiselift-pass, six days’ ski or board & boot-hire, breakfast, afternoon tea/coffee &

snacks, three-course dinners with wineor beer, plus after-dinner coffee. For details seewww.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791114.

Meanwhile, Newmarket Holidays haslaunched a new package to showcase theAurora Borealis opportunities in Alberta.

The nine-day itinerary allows guests toexperience the Canadian Rockiesincluding Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper andthe city of Edmonton before venturing upto Fort McMurray for the Northern Lightsexperience.

Prices lead in at £1,299 per person fora November 14 departure and includeflights from Gatwick, accommodation andactivities, based on two sharing.

Alternatively, a new Canadian SkyRockies and Aurora Borealis packagealso tours Jasper and Alberta North insearch of the Northern Lights, withprices starting from £1,899 per person,including flights, accommodation andtransfers.

Calgary Stampedeboosts bookings for

Ranch RiderACCORDING TO RanchRider, this year’s CalgaryStampede and the event’scentennial celebrationsgave bookings asignificant boost.

The company’smanaging director, TonyDaly, said: “Obviouslythere was a great deal ofpromotion surrounding‘The Greatest OutdoorShow On Earth’, butoutside of the success ofthe Calgary Stampede,the province ofSaskatchewan hasperformed particularlywell.”

Known as the Land ofLiving Skies, the operatorclaims that the rise ininterest is specific to thetype of stays it offers.

Daly said: “OurSaskatchewan portfolio isworking ranch centric, andin the last 12 monthswe’ve seen a growth inbookings for authenticstays across the whole ofNorth America.Admittedly, budgets havehad a huge part to play inwhere people book, but inan ongoing recessionescapism is perhapssimply more desirable.

“Of course, luxuryresorts will give clients allthe additional pampering,however, stepping into theboots of a real cowboy canbe a life changingexperience.”

The company offersriding holidays inSaskatchewan from £925per person, based on twosharing at the La ReataRanch. It includesaccommodation, meals,most ranch activities andtaxes. Transfers areexcluded but start from£110 and flights costfrom £949. For more information call01509-618811, [email protected] orvisit www.ranchrider.com

New travel options with Rocky Mountaineer for 2013ROCKY MOUNTAINEER has added new travel options to its 2013 line-up.

The introduction of Lake Louise, Alberta, as a destination on the First Passage to the Westroute will provide guests staying at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with a fast, directtransfer to their hotel. Motor coach transfers will be available to and from the hotel and areincluded on all packages except two-day rail-only.

The Coastal Passage route will connect the cities of Seattle and Vancouver, BritishColumbia, en-route to the Canadian Rockies. The new route marks the company’s fifth railjourney and its first from the US.

Guests on the Coastal Passage route will traverse the Pacific Northwest, British Columbiaand the Canadian Rockies on the company's GoldLeaf Service, and will be transported on abi-level custom-designed dome coach with panoramic views, gourmet cuisine in a privatedining room and personalised service by the company’s hosts.

From next year, the SilverLeaf Service will be available on the Journey through the Cloudsroute between Vancouver, British Columbia and Jasper, Alberta.

Guests will experience the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson andPyramid Falls. The single-level glass domed coach offers a 167% larger viewing area thanthe RedLeaf Service and there will be on-board commentary and a hot meal service.For more information visit agent.rockymountaineer.com

Morant’s Curve near Lake Louise

Operators add new options in Alberta for this season


Turkey WITH ANATOLIAN SKY HOLIDAYS

No. V4937. V4937oN


23October 19 2012

THE FLAMBOYANT Hotel, located onGrand Anse beach near St George’s,has launched Grenada’s firstunderwater wedding package.

It includes all licences and fees, apriest, an event co-ordinator,transport to and from the registry,chairs and signing table with tablecloth, decorated location for ceremony

on land and underwater, safetydivers/witnesses and boat transfers tothe dive site.

The package costs from £500 percouple and can be booked direct withthe hotel or in addition toaccommodation and flights.

Golden Holidays offers seven nights’room-only accommodation in an

Ocean View room from £662 perperson, including flights andtransfers.For more information or to book call0800-097 3504 or visitwww.flamboyant.comAlternatively, call Golden Holidays on0845-085 8080 or see www.golden-holidays.co.uk

The Flamboyant Hotel offers first underwater wedding package in Grenada

BRIDES CAN now arrive at their wedding on horseback courtesy ofHalf Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The bride can opt to rideto the ceremony along the resort’s two-mile white sand beach on ahorse provided by the on-site equestrian centre. For details visit www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com


weddings&honeymoons

NISBET PLANTATION Beach Club in Nevis is presenting honeymooners with the gift of a jar of 100%pure Nevisian honey produced on the Caribbean island. Tradition has it that the word ‘honeymoon’ hasits origins in mead, made from honey, which was given to newlyweds to drink during the first month oftheir marriage to bring good luck. For details visit www.nisbetplantation.com

Superbreak addscocktail masterclass

for hen marketSUPERBREAK HAS addeda ‘Girls’ CocktailMasterclass’ at VodkaRevolution to itsprogramme.

Available at venuesacross the UK, the activitycan be added on to a hotelpackage, and bookings arefully commissionable toagents.

Prices start from £30per person.For more information call0871-221 4444 or visitwww.superbreak.com/agents

S06 TB1910 Weddings & Honeymoons_Layout 1 17/10/2012 11:57

ZAMBIAN HORIZONS, acollection of luxury safaricamps and lodges, isoffering bespoke weddingceremonies in a range ofsafari locations across theZambian plains.

Options include gettingmarried on the banks ofthe Luangwa River; on anintimate private island inthe middle of the LowerZambezi National Park; orin the village church.

An 11-night safari inZambia costs from £5,134per person including BAflights from London.

It includes a stay on theIslands of Siankaba andSindabezi during a visit toLivingstone and VictoriaFalls, then a trip to LowerZambezi National Park forthe safari. All transfers,meals, safari activities andsome activities in theIslands of Siankaba andSindabezi are alsoincluded.For more information call020-8232 9777 or visitwww.expertafrica.com

FOLLOWING THE launch of the Sandals WeddingMoonsbrochure by Funway bookings at www.sandals4agents.co.uk,sales have soared, according to Funway Holidays.

The operator reports a sales increase of 45% in Augustcompared to when the programme was first introduced.

The most popular resorts in terms of bookings post-launchinclude the Love Nest Suites, the La Toc Golf Resort & Spa inSaint Lucia and the Grande St Lucian Resort & Spa inAntigua.

SUN INTERNATIONAL’S five-star RoyalLivingstone hotel, located near VictoriaFalls on the banks of the Zambezi River,is offering a ‘Flight of Angels’ package,which incorporates a helicopter rideabove the falls and a ‘ZambeziSundowners’ package, which offers arendezvous along the river with the optionof having a table specially laid out and theservices of a butler.

For the wedding itself, the hotelrecommends a riverside ceremony, withits basic package including all licensefees, a pastor, cake and wedding co-ordinator.

Alternatively, a Deluxe WeddingPackage includes the preparation ofdocuments, 36 wedding photographs,bouquets, Champagne breakfast in bedthe morning after the wedding and aprivate dinner for two prior to thewedding night. Guests can also embark on

an African Queen sunset cruise to viewsome of the region's wildlife.

On arrival at the Royal Landing, couplesare greeted with a cocktail and a MarimbaBand.

Alternatively, the Royal LivingstoneExpress, which consists of restoredPullman carriages, offers a rail journeythrough the National Park and the ZambeziValley, along with a six-course gourmetdinner.

Couples can also take a picnic in theresort’s Herb Garden, with a tailored menuput together by the chef at guests’ request.

Prices start from approximately £789per person including flights betweenJohannesburg and Livingstone, transfers,a sunset cruise for two, body massages,complimentary travel bags, insurance andfree, unlimited access to the Falls Park.For more information visitwww.suninternational.com

Agent bookings soar following Sandals WeddingMoons brochure launch

Bespoke weddingceremonies fromZambian Horizons


weddings&honeymoons

LONDOLOZI, A game reserve located onthe western border of Kruger NationalPark in South Africa, is offering a newhoneymoon experience in the wilderness.The reserve’s safari honeymoon packageincludes a dedicated Land Rover for thecouple to explore in, complete with aprivate guide. Couples will stay in a

private granite suite, which features anoutdoor river-view bath, and will receiveprivate dinners and a wildernessmassage overlooking the Sand River.

The newlyweds are also invited to beco-creators of their safari experience andwill have the opportunity to experiencebush yoga, meditative walks, animal

tracking, Champagne sunsets and fullmoon bush dinners. The companyrecommends a minimum stay of threenights.For details visit www.londolozi.com

'Flight of Angels' package at Sun International’s Royal Livingstone

Londolozi offers wilderness honeymoon experience



Tailor-made honeymoon ski breaks from VIP SKIVIP SKI has launched a new range of tailor-made honeymoon breaks in the Alps.

Examples of accommodation on offer include a chalet in Zermatt, a penthouse LuganoSuite in La Plagne, the Taiga Lodge in Meribel – featuring a private sauna and hot tub – andthe Chalet Davos in Val d’Isere, located on Le Cret.

Each chalet is stocked with complimentary cold beers, wines, snacks and mixers as wellas fruit.

Prices for a seven-night stay at Chalet Davos lead in at £999 per person based on twosharing and include flights from Gatwick, transfers, breakfast accommodation, afternoontea and three-course evening meals on six nights, with drinks and canapés on the first andlast evening.

A complimentary ski and snowboard hosting service is available on three days as well asdaily newspapers.For more information call 0844-557 3119 or visit www.vip-chalets.com

RANI RESORTS is extending an offer to honeymooners staying on Medjumbe, a small privateisland located on the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique.

The company is offering a free night’s stay when guests stay on the island for five nights,meaning they will pay for four, while those staying for ten nights pay for eight.

The property is also offering 50% off the bride’s accommodation until December 22next year.For more information visit www.raniresorts.com

Free night's stay from Rani Resorts

weddings&honeymoons

Honeymoon offerat Fundu Lagoonincludes 50% bridediscountFUNDU LAGOON, located onPemba Island in Tanzania, isoffering a special ten-nightdeluxe honeymoon offer fromJune 15 next year until April8, 2014.

The package includes a50% discount for the bride, abottle of sparkling wine onarrival, couples' massage,private beach dinner andChampagne breakfast themorning after the arrival.

The offer is based on aminimum ten-night stay ineither a Suite or SuperiorSuite. For more information or to book visitwww.fundulagoon.com

CONRAD HOTELS & Resorts is promoting a range of weddingand honeymoon packages in a variety of destinations.

As examples, the company's Koh Samui resort offers gueststhe chance to choose the location of their ceremony, such as onthe beach or on top of the resort overlooking the Gulf ofThailand. The package includes the services of a priest,bride’s bouquet, wedding cake, welcome drinks for 20guests, hair and make-up for the bride and hair andfacial for the groom. Also included are two nights inan Oceanview one-bedroom pool villaand a music trio performing atthe ceremony. Prices lead in atapproximately £2,456.

Meanwhile, the St RegisMauritius resort offers aselection of indoor or outdoorvenues, each overlooking theUNESCO World Heritage site

of Le Morne. Deals available include the Exotic Island Package,which leads in at €1,000 and includes a clothing press servicefor the bridal party, wedding set up in the location of choice,cake, bridal bouquet and a dedicated wedding photographer

with 70 professional photos. On return to the villa, thecouple will be welcomed with a special room

decoration and will wake to an in-villa breakfast.To meet the growing demand for the renewal

of wedding vows, the Maldives Rangali IslandResort offers three Renewal of Loveceremonies, two set on the beach and oneunderwater, with prices starting fromUS$2,200. The bride and groom can writetheir own vows or follow the ceremony

created by the resort which is conducted inEnglish.

For more information seewww.conradhotels3.hilton.com

Conrad Koh Samui

Conrad Hotels highlights selection of wedding and honeymoon destinations



PLANET WEDDINGS has added newlocations for marriage ceremonies inlocations such as Antigua, Croatia,Malta and the lesser-known GreekIslands Amorgos and Thassos to itslatest 120-page brochure.

For couples who want to get marriedon the beach, destinations now includeHola Beach, Malta, and the four-starColumbia Beach Hotel in Pissouri Bay,Cyprus, along with the islands of Corfuand Skiathos.

The company offers a ‘go-see’ option,giving couples the chance to visit their

chosen wedding destination and meetwith the wedding co-ordinator.

An example of new resorts is Calderathe Petit Palace in Santorini, on theGreek island of Thira, which offers sea -view suite accommodation two milesaway from the capital of Fira and issituated adjacent to the Agia Irinichapel.

Also, following the introduction ofcivil ceremonies in Portugal, same-sexcouples can now get married at venuesin the Algarve, including the cliff toplocation, ‘The Lady of the Rock’.

The operator's managing director,Mathilde Robert, said: “It’s been agood year for Greece as far asweddings are concerned. Greekhoteliers have maintained prices andwe have had some very flamboyantand expensive weddings with plenty ofwow factors, as well as simplerceremonies on the beach andsometimes just the couple and ourwedding co-ordinator."For more information call 0871-871 0405 or visit www.planetweddings.co.uk

Planet Weddings, Malta

weddings&honeymoons

THE NAM Hai Resort, locatedon Hoi An Beach, Vietnam, isoffering a honeymoon package.The ‘Romance in Style’ packageincludes breakfastaccommodation in a one-bedroom villa, beachfront villaor pool villa; a private barbecuedinner for two with wine andcake; a Vietnamese massagefor two; a ‘love bath’ ceremony;personal shopper toaccompany guests to Hoi An;complimentary non-alcoholicbeverages from the minibar;flights to Danang; and a dailycomplimentary shuttle to HoiAn.Prices lead in at approximately£418 per person per villa pernight, excluding taxes. Until December 20, guests canstay at the resort for fournights and pay for three, orstay for seven nights and payfor five.

Planet Weddings adds new ceremony venues to its latest brochure


TO REWARD agents and operators fortheir continued support, the MaltaTourism Authority (MTA) and Air Maltahave launched a Travel Trade Winteroffer to allow them the chance toexperience the winter sun of Malta firsthand.

The offer is valid from November 5until March 24, 2013 and includes flightsfor one agent plus one accompanyingguest from €50 per person. All breaksare subject to availability and excludepeak times, and bookings must be madewithin 21 days of departure. To book call0906-103 0012.

The MTA has also announced thelaunch of iValletta.com, an online portalthat establishes a direct link between thecity’s businesses and culturalorganisations and its visitors.

The site showcases current

commercial and cultural activities takingplace within the city and lists informationrelated to businesses, shops, cafés,restaurants and entertainment venues,as well as allowing establishments tointroduce daily deals specifically foriValletta.com users.

The portal also provides visitors withgift ideas and includes updates oninfrastructural and restoration projects inprogress. For details seewww.iValletta.com

Meanwhile, the tourist office ispromoting MICE at EIBTM, the GlobalMeetings & Events Exhibition runningfrom November 27-29, as a platform onwhich to demonstrate to Europeandelegates what Malta has to offer as astand out MICE destination.For more information visitwww.visitmalta.com

Coastal view, Gozo

PRESTIGE IS featuring five hotels in Malta for next year, aswell as two on the neighbouring island of Gozo.

Prices lead in at £463 for a week's stay at the CorinthiaPalace Hotel & Spa including flights with Air Malta fromGatwick, private transfers and breakfast accommodation,plus one free night, offering a saving of £60 per couple.

The operator is also featuring a number of special offersfor next year including free nights, free child stays when

children share with their parents, early booking offers andfree car hire.

Nicky Shafe, the operator's marketing manager, said:"Malta is up by 19% for summer 2012. Our top selling hotelfor families is the Westin Dragonara and the most popularchoice for couples is the Hotel Phoenicia."For more information seewww.prestigehoildays.co.uk/malta or call 01425-480400.

BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS, whichreports an increase in longstays in winter, is offeringthree, four and five weeks forthe price of two for staysbetween November 1 and April9, 2013. As an example, a bed-and-breakfast stay at the three-star Imperial Hotel leads in at£379 per person for a January12 departure for 14 nights. Itincludes a mini guide, transfersand entrance to selected Maltaattractions. For details visitwww.belleair.co.uk or call 0845-365 3412.


malta&gozo

Winter travel trade offer from Malta Tourism Authority & Air Malta

Prestige offers week's stay in Malta for £463 next year

S07 TB1910 Malta & Gozo_Layout 1 17/10/2012 12:10

SHEARINGS HAS introduced an eight-day all-inclusiveSliema break, which leads in at £569.

The holiday includes flights and transfers and offersoptional excursions to Gozo and Valetta, a harbour cruiseand a visit to the local, traditional market.

Guests stay at the three-star Hotel Plevna in the heart ofthe town on a full-board basis. The hotel features a rooftopterrace, live music and a selection of complimentary drinks.

Departures are available from January to October nextyear.For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is featuring Malta in its Winter Sun2012/13 and Summer Sun 2013 programmes, offering acombination of mainly four- and five-star hotels in theresorts of Sliema, St Julian’s and Qawra.

As an example, the five-star Fortina Spa Resort, close tothe centre of Sliema, leads in at £555 per person for sevennights’ breakfast accommodation in May and October next

year, with 14 nights’ costing from £795. All-inclusiveoptions are also available.

Photis Lambrianides, the operator's commercialdirector, said: “Malta has strong historical ties with Britainand the island has long been a popular destination with theUK market. Over the last four summers, Malta hasdeveloped to become a key part of our Mediterraneanprogramme – and it's easy to see why it has been apopular holiday choice with the Brits for half a century ormore.

“The Maltese speak English, they drive on the left andthey're very welcoming to British visitors. This combinationhas made Malta one of the strongest repeat destinations.

“Whether people are searching for a cultural fix, somespa pampering, top watersports, buzzing nightlife or a widevariety of cuisine, Malta has a holiday to suit everyone.”

Also featured is the five-star InterContinental at StGeorge’s Bay, while the four-star hotels include the QawraPalace, the Preluna and the Seashells Resort. A seven-night half-board stay at the Seashells Resort in Suncrest,Qawra, leads in at £475 per person in June, based on atwin share, including flights and transfers.

Meanwhile, a seven-night breakfast stay at the three-star Alexandra Hotel at St Julian’s leads in at £405 perperson in May, September or October.For more information call 0844-499 4449 or visitwww.olympicholidays.com

Olympic features Malta as top destination for winter and summer sun

Qawra Palace Hotel

All-inclusive Sliema break from £569 from Shearings


malta&gozo

• Prices from £229pp• 3/4/5 weeks for the price of 2• Early savers discounts• Long stay discounts• …and much more!

Wonderful winter sun!

Malta& Gozo

Summer 2013on sale NOW!

Reservations0208 785 3266

or go online www.belleair.co.uk/agents

Order brochures at www.trade-gate.co.ukABTA No.V5323

Book early for the best prices!!Prices from only £214pp

www.facebook.com/belleairagents

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ku.oc.estneeniln662snoit


LOCATED WITHIN the walls of a 17thcentury palace, and surrounded byBaroque architecture, The Xara PalaceRelais & Chateaux boutique hotel inthe medieval walled city of Mdina, isthe newest addition to ClassicCollection Holidays’ programme toMalta.

As the only Relais & Chateauxaccredited hotel on Malta the propertyoffers 17 rooms and suites, eachfeaturing a king-sized bed, moderncomforts, antique furniture andartworks. There are three room typesincluding standard duplex rooms overtwo floors with a separate lounge,standard panoramic view rooms withsitting area and patio, and deluxesuites featuring an outdoor Jacuzziterrace.

Gary Boyer, the operator’s head ofpurchasing, said: “The Xara Palace isideal for the most discerning oftravellers and a perfect secludedsetting for anniversary celebrations orromancing honeymooners. We’redelighted to be able to feature theproperty for the first time in 2012 as

we feel that it adds something uniqueto our existing Malta programme.”

The company offers three nightsfrom £725 per person in October, basedon bed-and-breakfast accommodation

in standard duplex room includingflights and private transfers. For more information see www.classic-collection.co.uk or call 0800-008 7288.

Prestige Holidays offer a range of 4 and 5 star hotels in Malta and Gozo, from

traditional elegant hotels to the more modern beachfront hotels, something to

suit every client.

Ask about all our latest offers to Malta including free nights and free room

upgrades. Prices from only £445 at a 5 star hotel for a week in January.

We offer flexibility using scheduled flights, so can offer long stays or short breaks

for your clients.

Don’t forget you will receive Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/malta

MALTA

malta&gozo

Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux

Classic adds Relais & Chateaux property to Malta programme


New honeymoon package from Phoenicia HotelTHE FIVE-STAR Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta has added a week's packagefor honeymooners looking for something different, offering a mix ofcultural experiences and relaxation for less than £570 per person.

The package includes seven nights’ breakfast accommodation in adeluxe harbour view room including transfers, a glass of Champagneon arrival, petit fours, flowers and a bottle of sparkling wine, plusdinner in the restaurant with a bottle of wine, for £1,135 for two people.The price is based on travel in February next year.

Sales and marketing director of the property Rob Bruno said:“Valletta is a great city for couples as it's easy to explore on foot butthere is plenty to see and do to suit a variety of tastes.

"For a special night out, honeymooners could choose the Manoel Theatrewhich is amongst the oldest in Europe, the Casino di Venezia, housed in agrand palazzo on the waterfront or take in one of the many concerts at thehistoric Granaries venue in Floriana, near to the Grand Harbour.

“By staying here, guests are also well-positioned to visit other partsof the island. For newlyweds, a favourite is always a carriage-ride in theancient city of Mdina with its cobbled streets and narrow walkways. I'dalso recommend a boat trip in a traditional Maltese fishing boat, knownas a dghajsa, which you can take from the Upper Barakka Gardens overto the Three Cities - Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa. Another must isthe Blue Lagoon in Comino - one of the best beaches in the entireMediterranean and an ideal romantic day trip by ferry.”For more information or to book call 0800-862 0025 or visitwww.phoeniciamalta.com

Cosmos increases flexibility on Malta programmeCOSMOS HOLIDAYS has increased flexibility on its choice of Malta holidaysby featuring daily flying from Gatwick and three flights a week fromManchester for winter 2012/13. As well as traditional seven- and 14-nightstays, short breaks and longer stays are now available.

The operator’s product manager Jody Clapham said: “We are making ourMalta programme even more flexible and introducing daily flights from keyairports to meet demand from our customers for different durationholidays.

“All the hotels we offer throughout the winter are available on a flexi-staybasis from three to 42 nights which caters for all markets. In particular,long stay holidays

are increasing in popularity providing great value for money.“Demand for higher graded hotels is strong for winter 2012/13. Our four-

diamond rated properties such as Hotel Dolmen Resort and the ‘elite’branded Palace Hotel in Sliema are performing well.”

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

Who would you hate tobe stuck in a lift with?

malta&gozo

Travagrams: (top) Brussels (bottom) Shiraz

Where Am I?: Cork

puzzlesolutions


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