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June 12 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,923 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk
Australasia What you need to know to get the most out of your clients’ holidays
this week 13 news 3 agent bulletin 9 holiday parks 18 new report reveals a round-up of agent usa how to capitalise on how travel companies offers, fam trips & operators unveil their latest sales by promoting can boost their social booking incentives family activities marketing programme additions plus the latest deals S01 TB1206 2015 Start_Layout 1 10/06/2015 10:23 Page 2
Play golf in Carthage Relax in thalassotherapy in Hammamet
www.cometotunisia.co.uk HERE I COME. S01 TB12062015Start_Layout110/06/201510:23Page3
Cover Pictures: Main - Shutterstock Copyright: Ben Heys Inset - Funway www.travelbulletin.co.uk 20 18 13 12 10 9 8 3 11 hsWeek This clients’ holidays get themostoutofyour what youneedtoknow australasia activities sales bypromotingfamily how agentscancapitaliseon holiday parks the latestdeals programme additionsplus operators unveiltheirlatest usa fire questionsthisweek seat answeringourquick- find outwhoisinthehot personality bulletin Travel Group news &viewsfromTheElite bulletin briefing fam trips&bookingincentives a round-upofagentoffers, agent bulletin been uptolately Sandy’s Travel Escapeshas find outwhatSandyfrom notes fromnormanton their socialmarketing travel companiescanboost new reportrevealshow news voucher chance towina£50M&S hand atthepuzzles,plus take abreakandtryyour puzzle bulletin understanding ofwhere UKtr to March 2015to gatherabetter keywords were analysed from March 2014 travel, flights,hotels andassociated decisions andreturn oninvestment. social marketing to influence purchasing how travel brands can optimisetheir were analysed to provide insightsasto more thanonemillionsocialconversations report publishedbyimmediate future, IN A can optimisetheirsocialmarketingtoinfluenceROI New report byimmediatefuture reveals howtravelbrands on customer reviews andfeedback. Added of people to make atravel purchase based Twitter. Thisconversation motivates 37% predominantly across Facebook and holiday and27%after the holiday conversation insocialtakes place on in theplanningstages oftheirholidays. that content influences customers whoare throughout thecustomer journey andhow volume ofsocialcontent produced along thecustomer purchase journey. about andwhatmotivates socialactivity talking insocial,whatthey were talking ON COURSE... ON Jones, Travelworx; and Sulimen Pate, Freedom 2 Travel. Travel. 2 Freedom Pate, Sulimen and Travelworx; Jones, TGTG’s TGTG’s support provided to agent members. Pictured celebrating their training development, along with along development, training their celebrating Pictured members. agent to provided support training course at the consortium’s dedicated Training & Development Centre as part of the ongoing the of part as Centre Development & Training dedicated consortium’s the at course training TGTG) recently completed a two-week a completed recently TGTG) ( Group Travel Global The of members existing and New Customer conversations mentioning The report found that23%oftravel A clear pattern emerged withthe Mark Rowlands (left) and Rob Griffiths (right), are, from the left: Yi Jin, V Travel; Bethan Travel; V Jin, Yi left: the from are, (right), Griffiths Rob and (left) Rowlands Mark avellers were social.” when itcomes to increasing ROIthrough on thissentimentare missing atrick September. Brands who don’tcapitalise holiday peaksinApril,June and June, July andAugust butthedesire for a the UKtalks aboutbeingonholidayin tangible results. create annualcontent plans thatdeliver expressed atthosetimes,brands can conversation timesandthekey emotions taking into consideration peak deeper into thecustomer journey and consultant company, said:“Bydrilling Purchase’ stages ofthecustomer journey. taking place inthe‘Experience’ and‘Post capitalise onthesocialconversations elsewhere. offer insiderknowledge notavailable holiday, with76%agreeing thatreviews give themtheconfidence to booka that 68%ofconsumers agree thatreviews to that,arecent Facebook study revealed “For example, unsurprisingly most of Katy Howell, CEOfor thedigital Given theseinsights,travel brands can
June 122015
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London holds top spot as most popular tourist destination according to new report LONDON HAS again been London is projected to that London has proudly continues to surprise and hailed as the world’s most welcome 18.82 million held on to this coveted title, excite visitors from all over popular tourist destination international visitors this as we celebrate another the world.” by Mastercard. It’s the year, according to the triumphant and record- Europe now features second year running that the annual report, putting the breaking year for tourism in three of the top five cities - capital has topped the capital ahead of Bangkok. the city. With its unrivalled London, Paris and Istanbul - Global Destinations Cities Both cities have topped the mix of history, culture, with Bangkok and Dubai Index, which provides an in- Index throughout its five- culinary gems and cutting- making up the global top depth ranking of the 132 year history. edge creativity, I’m confident five. most travelled cities from Mayor of London Boris that these accolades will For more information go to around the world. Johnson said: “I’m delighted keep coming as the capital www.visitlondon.com
Debut autumn, winter & spring worldwide brochure from Trafalgar TRAFALGAR IS extending its Visiting Europe’s oldest and largest Coast landmarks with visits to seasonal product further with the Christmas market in Strasbourg, Jackson, release of its first worldwide Paris and the Black Forest, the Grand Autumn, Winter, Spring programme itinerary offers a different side to Teton offering a selection of unique and Europe’s festive season. National authentic seasonal experiences Following its successful launch Park and across Europe, Asia, the US and last year, the company has also Bozeman. Canada. added its new trip style, Hidden Clients Featuring 32 itineraries (with a Journeys, to the programme, which can save up further 20 available online), offers clients the chance to explore to 7.5% including three new Christmas lesser-visited destinations in across the Spectacular guided holidays, clients intimate sized groups. As an programme, now have more opportunity to seek example, an eight-day Secrets and with early some winter sun and discover the Winter Wonders of Yellowstone payment world’s seasonal experiences from Hidden Journey is an in-depth discounts of the inside, with departures available experience of Yellowstone National up to £702 between this November and March Park, where guests spend two nights per couple 2016. in hand-picked Authentic available As an example, the programme Accommodation at Mammoth Hot when booked and paid in full before takes clients deeper into the Springs Hotel, as well as an August 31. Past passenger discounts European Christmas festivities with overnight stay at the 320-guest of 5% per person are also available. a new ten-day Christmas Markets of Ranch in Montana. They’ll also see a For further information visit Strasbourg and the Black Forest. lesser-known side of iconic West www.trafalgar.com
Caesars Entertainment extends ‘Feeling Lucky’ incentive programme CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT has announced the return of its travel agent incentive, the ‘Feeling Lucky’ programme, which rewards agents for registering bookings at its family of resorts across the country until September 30. Agents registering bookings at www.caesarstravelagents.com will earn 100 lucky chips for each room night booked. Chips are accrued throughout the promotional period and redeemed for prizes which include show tickets, accommodation, meals and more in destinations including Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Reno and Lake Tahoe. This year, two new Las Vegas resorts have joined the portfolio - the first stand-alone boutique hotel on the Strip, The Cromwell, and the newest resort at the heart of the Strip, The LINQ Hotel & Casino. Annette Weishaar, the company’s vice president of leisure and citywide sales, said: “As we expand our offerings and introduce new developments like the Las Vegas High Roller, A REAL PRO…Air China teamed up with Travel Bulletin in March to The Cromwell and The LINQ Hotel & Casino, it is our mission run a competition for agents to win a GoPro camera. Pictured is to communicate our commitment and appreciation to travel the winner, Kristen Crossley from Reed and MacKay, with the carrier’s Sanjay Rudki. agents, agencies and constituents.”
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Direct Ferries unveils new-look website DIRECT FERRIES has launched its new website at www.directferries.co.uk, which offers access to 91 ferry Newsbites companies (and the Eurotunnel), 1,542 ferry routes and more than 355 ferry ports offering connections by sea to ● THIS MONTH marks Scott Dunn’s first steps into retail more than 96 countries and islands. with the opening of its new Travel Lounge at its dead Ferry crossings from Dover to Calais lead in at £36 offices in Fulham, London. and the site features a comprehensive list of ports and detailed information on routes and destinations. A route ● CORONATION STREET The Tour has announced that the and port finder also makes it easy for agents to find out attraction at Quay Street, Manchester will come to an which operators sail on which routes by looking at a end on December 31. country or by port in the drop down list. The site also ● IN PREPARATION for the winter 2015/16 ski season, offers train and ferry combined tickets and has a Inghams has a half price lift pass offer on all adult lift dedicated mini cruise section. By partnering with passes for bookings made by June 28, offering savings of accommodation provider, booking.com, visitors to the up to £235 per couple. The offer is applicable to bookings site also have a choice of accommodation. made for chalet, chalet hotel and selected partner hotel Andrew Crowe, the company’s sales and marketing stays on most dates. director, said: “We are an online travel agent that sells and supports all of the major ferry operators both in the ● HRS HAS announced a new partnership with American UK & Ireland and the rest of Europe. We have launched Express Global Corporate Payments to provide business our new website which is more customer-friendly and travellers and travel managers with an integrated ensures we make more ferry bookings for the ferry payment solution. The new partnership has made it operator in a time where there are fewer pro-active ferry possible to offer a cashless payment solution to make booking travel agents. the daily routine of booking easier, with improved “Additionally we also work with travel agents on an transparency and security. affiliate or travel agent model. They can use our systems Details at www.hrscorporate.com and technology as well as white label this on their own ● IN LINE with the new ‘Timeless’ Wiltshire brand site. Travel agents can gain access to the best prices, positioning launched in March, VisitWiltshire has extensive ferry routes and the latest ferry deals. We also unveiled its ‘Time for Wiltshire’ national marketing give agents the opportunity to sell European ferry routes campaign under a theme of ‘Press Pause’. The campaign in a number of destinations including Spain, Greece and aims to highlight Wiltshire as the perfect antidote to Italy. What’s more, we work with agents on a commission overcrowded cities and features beautiful gardens, spilt model.” events and festivals, relaxing spas, accommodation, For details see www.directferries.co.uk attractions and activities. A new video can be seen at https://youtu.be/rJvJAb9o8io. Magellan to host CLIA UK & Ireland For details see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/timeforwiltshire 2015 Annual Dinner CRUISE & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced that the CLIA UK & Ireland 2015 Annual Dinner will be held on its Save £289 per person with Ski Total new flagship, Magellan at Tilbury on December 10. SKI TOTAL is promoting early booking offers for groups of Tickets for the event will go on sale on July 1 priced at friends in the Paradiski area of the French Alps. £199 per person to include a gala dinner, beverages, A stay at the Chalet Petit Ours in Les Arcs 2000 leads in at overnight accommodation and breakfast, and a total of 750 £608 per person (was £708) based on a January 3 departure places are available. for one week, including flights from Heathrow, transfers, free The event will also include the CLIA Cruise Forum Wi-Fi and catered accommodation including breakfast, onboard with key member travel agents, and the annual afternoon tea and a four-course evening meal with wine. The Cruise Excellence Awards will take place that evening. For property sleeps six and is located close to the pistes and ski-lift. the first time, there will also be an afternoon Cruise The company is also offering half price lift passes, 25% off Networking Forum for CLIA Executive Partners, Ports and ski hire and half a free place for the group, with savings adding Cruise Line Executives. up to £289 per person. For details see www.cruiseandmaritime.com For details www.skitotal.com or call 01483-791933.
Avis Budget Group announced as the exclusive car rental partner of Iberia Plus IBERIA HAS announced a new also receive 750 bonus Avios when they more vehicle is hired that year, partnership agreement with Avis make their fourth rental each year. customers will receive a free weekend’s Budget Group, which has become the There is also the opportunity to earn rental in Europe. exclusive car rental partner of the 500 Avios when a member signs up to Other benefits of the partnership airline’s loyalty programme, Iberia Plus. the preferred loyalty scheme. agreement include a free additional The partnership’s launch campaign, Customers who sign up to Avis driver on all rentals and priority service ‘We Travel Together’, highlights the Preferred and rent twice in one year at Madrid airport counters. opportunity for members to earn Avios will receive a free vehicle upgrade For more information visit for every rental booked. Members will voucher and a money-off voucher. If one www.avisbudgetgroup.com
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SuperBreak highlights short break Venice packages from £481 plus add-on tours SUPERBREAK IS promoting its flight inclusive short break landmarks, and includes a 'skip the line' visit to St. Marks packages to Venice and its range of add-on tours, the most Basilica. After exploring the main sights, the tour takes in popular of which is the Gondola Ride and the Venice Walk, ‘Hidden Venice’ and ventures along narrow passageway and which can be added to any hotel booking and are fully over bridges and meandering canals. commissionable. Packages in late September staying in a central hotel are The Gondola Ride visits parts of the city only accessible by available from £481.50 per person for three nights at the this means of transport, and combines a voyage through the four-star Carlton on the Grand Canal. It includes breakfast, hidden canals that run through the heart of the city, with a a gondola ride, the Venice Walk tour and flights. sojourn along the Grand Canal. To book or for more information see A Venice Walk focuses on St. Marks and its famous www.superbreak.com/agents or call 01904-436000.
‘Ultimate Long Nile’ cruises on Movenpick MS Hamees with Discover Egypt DISCOVER EGYPT has published its ‘Ultimate Long Nile’ cruise for 2016 with two itineraries on the epic 600 miles between Cairo and Luxor on the River Nile. Philip Breckner, the company’s commercial director, said: “Traditionally this has been one of the more sought after itineraries and we are pleased that we re-introduced the Nile long cruises for this year and have now published Abydos Temple dates for 2016.” Two journeys are available following the Kings and Valley of the Queens, on September 18 and travels from Cairo in the footsteps of the Pharaohs, with Temples of Karnak and Luxor; and the to Luxor, with prices starting from an eight-and ten-night itinerary Pyramids and Sphinx. £2,185 per person. Departure dates for available on the five-star Movenpick MS The eight-night cruise for this year next year are on March 23, April 12, May Hamees, one of the largest boats on the departs on September 10 and travels 8 and September 16. All cruises include Nile. from Luxor to Cairo. Departures for flights from Heathrow, transfers and Providing a high standard of comfort 2016 are offered on March 13, April 3 the full board cruises with guided and service, passengers will get to and 29 and September 17, with prices excursions. experience some of Egypt’s top ancient leading in at £1,887 per person. For more information call 020-7407 2111 sights, including Luxor and the Valley of The ten-night cruise for 2015 departs or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk MOVERS ● M.A.G, THE owner of Manchester and Stansted airports, has appointed Rosemarie Andolino to the newly created role of chief executive officer and president of M.A.G U.S ● JOHN SCANLON has been promoted to general manager of the Dorcester Collection’s 45 Park Lane in London. ● MICHAEL UZIELLI has been appointed Heathrow’s new chief financial officer. ● TOURISM NEW Zealand has appointed Marc Mulcahy as trade development consultant, UK and Ireland. ● ERIC HALLERBERG has joined Sabre Corporation, a global technology provider to the travel and tourism industry, as country director for the UK and Ireland. ● INNSTANT TRAVEL has boosted agency support with the appointment of two new staff - Sarah Clarke and Rebekah Taylor. ● JUMEIRAH GROUP has appointed Robert Swade as group chief operating officer.
FREMANTLE PRISON YHA in Western Australia now offers a 200- ● THE BOARD of Atlantic Airways, the Faroese national bedroom property in a World Heritage-listed 19th century jail. carrier, has appointed Jóhanna á Bergi as chief Stays for budget travellers cost from AUD$28 per person, per executive. night in multi-share dormitory style accommodation. Bookings can be made online at www.yha.com.au (Australasia - page 20)
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Airlines and operators boost flights and package holidays to Aruba EXTRA FLIGHTS and holiday packages addition to the 10,447 UK visitors, all-inclusive and other board holidays from airlines and tour operators are there was a 34% growth from Ireland. will be available. opening up new travel opportunities The Aruba Tourism Authority’s UK Additional tour operators who have for visitors to the Dutch Caribbean manager, Joanna Walding, said: announced the addition of Aruba to island of Aruba. "Aruba’s popularity with the UK their Caribbean portfolios are Virgin In a major vote of confidence for the holidaymaker just seems to keep Holidays, Hayes & Jarvis, Wexas and destination, a line-up of top growing and growing. These latest My America Holiday. companies, including Virgin Holidays developments are a clear sign that Virgin Holidays is basing its holidays and Hayes & Jarvis, have added the leading companies in the travel on flights with KLM Royal Dutch island to their portfolios. industry recognise the growing appeal Airlines, meaning travellers may Meanwhile, leading travel brands of Aruba, particularly for the traveller choose to fly on five days of the week Thomson and First Choice have wanting to experience an alternative from one of 16 UK airports via announced the introduction of weekly Caribbean. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The flights to Aruba from Manchester next "We are thrilled that the additional company is featuring four hotels and summer, complementing its existing flights and holidays coming onto the will offer ready-made or tailored service to the island from Gatwick. market will enable even more packages. The major expansion of the UK travellers to enjoy the unique Dutch Hayes & Jarvis offers further travel market follows on from the island Caribbean experience of Aruba." flexibility, as it offers flights on the enjoying record business from Britain Thomson and First Choice’s Thomson Dreamliner flight, KLM or in 2014, when visitor figures reached Manchester service will start on May with American Airlines from Heathrow an all-time high. UK numbers grew by 2, and will continue to operate weekly or Manchester via one of its US hubs. more than 12% in 2014, topping the until October, 2016 on the company’s For more information visit 10,000 mark for the first time. In Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A mixture of www.aruba.com
Universal Studios Hollywood introduces The Wizarding World of Harry Potter THE COUNTDOWN to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter of the new attraction where the land’s signature ride, Harry has started, as Universal Studios Hollywood announces the Potter and the Forbidden Journey, will take guests on a spring 2016 arrival of the West Coast’s entertainment journey into many memorable scenes alongside Harry, Ron experience and the introduction of the land’s signature and Hermione. Travelling by Floo powder, guests will soar attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in high above Hogwarts, partake in a Quidditch match, narrowly 3D-HD. escape a dragon attack and have a close encounter with the After more than five years in the making, and inspired by Whomping Willow. J.K. Rowling’s stories and characters and the Warner Bros. As excitement builds for the spring 2016 arrival of the films, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will bring guests new attraction, park guests at Universal Studios Hollywood the same authenticity and storytelling found at Universal are able to experience and purchase authentic merchandise, Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan. Visitors will be including wands, robes and other collectibles from The swept into a fully immersive themed land that brings the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, available within the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with detail and Features Presentation shop. precision. For more information visit Like its counterparts, Hogwarts Castle will sit at the heart www.universalstudioshollywood.com
BOURNE CLEVER… Pictured on Bourne Leisure’s Let’s Go UK Roadshow in Caister are, from the left: the operator’s Lou Tansey; Anxious the Elephant; Ashley Timms from Thomas Cook Co-operative Travel, Felixstowe; Kimberley Moore from Thomas Cook Co-operative Travel, Woodbridge; Polly; and Nicola Harper from Attraction World.
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New East Africa 'Accommodated Overland' collection from Acacia Africa ACACIA AFRICA’S latest Accommodated Overland itineraries will start departing this summer, with the new collection focused on East Africa. The operator is one of few safari specialists to market its Notes from fully escorted camping and accommodated overland expeditions to entirely different groups. Camping overland itineraries are targeted at those aged 18-39 years and the accommodated overland collection is open to travellers of all ages from eight years. A five-day Kenya Lakes and Mara includes game drives in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru and Lake Normanton... Elementaita. Prices lead in at £545 per person, based on two sharing, plus a local payment from £367 per person including transport, accommodation, most meals and the services of UST TO finish off about the fam trip to Halkidiki – on a tour leader/driver. our penultimate day we stayed at the fairly new Flights are excluded and the tour departs round-trip JAlexandros Palace. As we had some free time we from Nairobi on August 16 and 30. took a ferry across to an amazing small island called For details call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia- Ammouliani, classed as just being off the Athos africa.com or see www.acacia-africa.com Peninsula. I think Sunvil is the only tour operator that has any accommodation on the island, so if you want something nice and out of the way, this is the island for Get to Glastonbury with National Express you! They also offer the Blue Bay close to Athitos Village - all in in, it was a great trip and I can recommend NATIONAL EXPRESS – the only coach operator currently Halkidiki as a holiday destination. It has so much to offer selling tickets to this year’s Glastonbury Festival (June 24-28) with the three peninsulars – Kassandra, Sithonia and is unveiling a UK-wide network of direct services to the event. Ouranoupolis - a big ‘Thank You’ to Sandra Bruce and the Last year, almost a quarter of festival-goers arrived onsite Halkidiki Tourist Board for inviting me. on a coach operated by the company, which serves the festivals When you read this I hope to be back at my second from 73 towns and cities across the UK, and this year the coach home (almost!) - Gouves in Crete, staying at my favourite operator is looking to expand its offering. place - Kaissia Apts. I can’t wait to see everyone and also The latest offers include a 25% group travel discount for check out how the cats are doing. I am still looking to try groups of four or more people; early festival arrivals, with first and bring back Tiger (the one with one eye) as I don’t services on June 24 arriving at 05:30 to offer extra time for think he will last another winter. So I will have to go back people to source the best tent pitches; and more early morning in Aug or Sept to try and bring him back. Monday departures, with the first coach at 02:00, enabling I have to say, when everyone is knocking tour people to get home after the event in time for breakfast. operators for offering a lower price on their own website Fares start at £18.20 one-way. to what we can usually sell at, it is wonderful to be able For more information visit www.nationalexpress.com to say book Olympic and support a tour operator that or call 0871-781 8181. truly supports us. I have booked my holiday with them and it was only £5 difference on their direct site! I have said it before - support those that support us - and they do Halkidiki as well! Simples. And of course, I am going from my favourite airport, Leeds Bradford. Those of you that know me, know I love Cava or www.travelbulletin.co.uk Go Prosecco wine and I’m now hearing Prosecco is going to run out! That is a disaster! ‘The hardest thing in life is to learn which bridge to WEBSCLUSIVES cross and which bridge to burn’ and ‘Happiness is a way of travel not a destination’. ● For the chance to win one of 35 prizes with Sunset Faraway Holidays, head over to the competitions page at http://travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions
● Cook up a Spanish feast with one of five Spanish food hampers to be won with Voyages-sncf and TGV France-Spain. To enter the competition please go to http://travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions
by SANDRA MURRAY All this and more at: in Normanton, Yorkshire To respond to any www.travelbulletin.co.uk of Sandy’s comments email [email protected] The home of the web savvy travel agent
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Booking incentives Agent training
● AGENTS BOOKING Icelandair flights TO CELEBRATE four new modules joining its academy from Birmingham have the chance to training programme, Travel 2 and its partners are win a range of prizes. They include a rewarding agents with Red Letter Day experiences and three-night break for two in Iceland cases of New Zealand wine. The new modules include including flights, accommodation, Intrepid, Air New Zealand, Sun International and Gran transfers and a Golden Circle tour, Canaria, as well as a refreshed Enjoy Illinois module. plus flights for two to any Icelandair Agents completing the Enjoy Illinois module before June destination in Iceland or North 30 will earn Academy points and will also be in with a America. The offer is valid for new chance of winning a £100 Red Letter Day experience. bookings made by June 30 for departures taken this month and For details see www.travel2.com registered at [email protected]
● BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has extended its ‘Summer of Love’ incentive to June 30, giving agents more opportunity to earn FANCY A FAM? Love2Shop vouchers worth up to £40 NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS has launched a competi- with every booking made. All air- tion for agents to win one of three fam trip places to inclusive bookings must be a minimum go on an ‘Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & of three nights for any departure date between now and next summer. Nashville’ trip. To enter, agents must email the To claim, email [email protected] answer to the following question: ‘What is the name of Elvis’ home?’ to travelagents@newmarketholi- days.co.uk. The closing date is July 31 and the prize includes flights to the US, transfers and seven nights’ room-only accommodation.
AGENT OFFER
EXCLUSIVELY FOR industry partners, agents can now enjoy a stay at Dusit Thani Maldives at 50% off until September 30. To apply, visit www.dusit.com and input PROMOINDUST under Special Codes > Promotion Codes or email the resort directly at [email protected]. QUIDS IN...Travel Counsellor Jo Kemp won £250 in Brazilian restaurant vouchers as part of Travel 2’s ‘Win a Braziliant The offer also includes breakfast for two and staff ID is Experience’ prize. Pictured with Jo is the operator's Andy Harris. required upon check-in for verification.
DISCOVER SIZZLING SPAIN BY TRAIN
- London - Barcelona from £161 rtn* - Paris - Barcelona from £89 rtn* Book - Lyon - Barcelona from £74 rtn* online in - Avignon - Madrid from £134 rtn* just a few - Marseille - Madrid from £134 rtn* clicks Web: www.voyages-sncf.eu - Toulouse - Girona from £59 rtn* *Based on the cheapest return adult fare in Standard Class Call: 0844 848 4066
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Industry Insight by... eliteTRAVEL GROUP
Neil Basnett, chief executive of the Elite Travel Group, offers his news and views on conference sessions and scientific research...
WAS one of many hundreds who attended the recent Advantage Conference at the Sea Garden "It never ceases to amaze me about IResort in the resort of Bodrum in Turkey. One did the amount of time wasted on not need to use the gym to lose weight: owing to the vastness in size of the whole resort, kilos were shed daily just walking from the apartment accommodation pointless research by scientists who down to breakfast and then even worse, uphill to the conference facilities. In my next life, I shall visit the are obviously desperate" resort again but as a mountain goat! Being responsible for the arrangements for our own annual shared with culture, media and even sport and this is conference at which we normally have to cater for very demeaning to our industry. As it generates around 130 delegates, I am thankful that I do not have billions each year in revenue, I feel that we do deserve the burden of the logistical nightmare that it must be our own Minister so I suggest that in future you fully to ensure that everything runs smoothly for 450 check your facts before lampooning the questioner, delegates! All at Advantage and those at Mark Warner Mr Paxman! as well should be congratulated for (what appeared to Before the conference, I was generously hosted by be) seamless arrangements, but I would imagine that Mark Warner and the irrepressible Julie Franklin at there were ongoing dramas taking place behind the the Lakitira Beach Resort on the Greek island of Kos scenes. – sadly now in the news as a result of the refugees It is always a challenge to come up with conference who are making their way onto the island to escape sessions that are different to those that have gone from the perils of Syria. Being a Mark Warner resort, before but are ones that remain relevant to the one is encouraged to participate in the numerous and audience. I can only presume therefore that Jeremy very well-organised sporting activities and for reasons Paxman was either not given the script or chose to not plainly obvious, I agreed to the afternoon bike- totally ignore it. Yes, we knew that he was going to ride. Five gentle kilometres I was assured: 14 ramble on about the General Election and to give us kilometres later and with buttocks with which I had his viewpoints about it but I honestly did not learn lost acquaintance, we got back to 90 minutes of tennis anything that I did not know before. If I had arranged with Pimms except somebody had forgotten to tell the for him to attend and speak, I would have felt very barman! short-changed as his contribution to the conference Once again, it never ceases to amaze me the was minimal for the extortionate sum that he probably amount of time wasted on pointless research by picked up. scientists who are obviously desperate. Apparently, The only relevant issue that came out of his session British people who regularly change their route to was the question from one of the delegates who work are three times more likely than non-changers rightly asked what pressure we as an industry could to earn £60,000-plus a year. This research also claims put on the new government to have a dedicated that eating the same lunch every day and sticking with minister responsible for Travel and Tourism. Rather one main holiday destination makes us less happy. than concentrate on the matter, Paxman decided that How do these people produce such startling the best response was to ridicule the questioner and revelations and how do they go around securing their to challenge the assertion that there is no such evidence to support these claims? Can you honestly dedicated minister. Successive governments have all imagine Lord Sugar barking out instructions to his under-estimated the worth of this industry and have chauffeur to turn left this morning rather than the totally ignored the millions of Brits who are employed usual right? I shall try it next week and I look forward in it, one way or the other and whether involved in to seeing the delights of Sunderland, Grimsby and inbound or outbound tourism. Within the department Birkenhead en route from Stratford-upon-Avon to for Trade and Industry, the Tourism role has been Coleshill!
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puzzlebulletin Su Doku Travagrams Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator? Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle
Number: 023 A ➠ Air Ebbs
B ➠ Small groups tour operator exploring Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales C ➠ Asia Hat Ram Sam
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 Often abbreviated town in Sri Lanka close to Yala National Park 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 Where Am I? applicable to: [email protected] Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 18th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 29th May is Janette Ashby, Global Travel in Preston. Prominent Himalayan Buddhist temple located May 29 Solution: A=5 B=7 C=3 D=8 on a cliffside – known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Crossword
Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.
Across Down 1. European carrier (9) 1. Comedian taking a serious role in The 6. Long-haul destination (9) Syndicate on BBC (5,5) 7. Canadian territory (5) 2. Mr Lampard, leaving English football for 9. Cruise company Fred. ___ (5) New York (5) 10. Some Cockneys like this jellied (3) 3. English county (7) 11. Golfing term, sounds like a bird (5) 4. Auckland international airport code (3) 12. Artist who painted the portrait featured in 5. You can take the scenic Tarka train journey the recent film, Woman in Gold (5) from this North Devon town (10) 14. English actor Daniel ____ (9) 8. Iconic points off the coast of the IOW (7) 16. US city and TV series (9) 13. Recently held in Manchester, The ___ Home Show (5) 15. Mr MacLean who recently auctioned the lyrics of American Pie for US$1.2 million (3)
For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I?
Number: 023 Number: and Travagrams, please see page 22
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personalitybulletin Claire Dutton Key account manager, SuperBreak
At home At play
What's your favourite Where would you most like household gadget? to visit and why? Sky+. It’s an absolute godsend when you The Pacific Northwest area of the USA. I’ve spend time away with work. You can veg been to the Canadian part, but would love out and watch all your favourite to visit Washington State or Oregon. I programmes in one mammoth session! remember watching The Goonies when I was little which was filmed around there and What trait do you dislike What are your favourite TV telling my mum I wanted to go on holiday in other people? programmes? there! It just looks beautiful. People who are consistently late. I think it’s Thanks to Sky+ I have lots! I like American really disrespectful to think that your time is shows like True Detective, American Horror What are your hobbies? more precious than someone else’s. Story, Mad Men and The Walking Dead, and I love reading. My favourite author is I’m also hooked to the trashy ‘Real Margaret Atwood. I’ve also been belly- What is your best quality? Housewives’ shows! dancing for about ten years. It’s fun to dress Given what I’ve said about other people up in sparkly costumes and shimmy for a being late, I think I have to say timekeeping! Who does the cooking? couple of hours. Me. My husband has no idea how to boil an What's your most egg, so if I didn’t cook I think we would starve. What's your favourite embarrassing moment? (non-work related) website? Probably on a canal boat holiday about 15 What's a typical weekend Amazon because you can buy everything on it! years ago when I shared a cabin with three for you like? male friends. I’d just had a shower and was My husband watches sport all day on a Do you use social media getting dressed and got caught by one of Saturday, so if I’m in I have ‘Favourite Film for work and play? them dancing around the cabin naked! He’d Saturday’ and dig out a DVD to watch in I love social media. It’s a great tool to stay decided to hide and surprise me – little did bed! Other than that it’s eating out, seeing connected and keep in touch with people he know! I was so embarrassed I burst into our friends and relatives and catching up on that you don’t get to see every day. tears! stuff really.
What's your guilty pleasure? At work I read my favourite books over and over What other What personal item do you have again. My husband thinks I’m weird, but companies/organisations have you on your desk at work? every time I read them I always get previously worked for? On the walls in my home office I have lots something different from them. I left school at 18 and have worked in travel of different kinds of world maps and maps ever since for Lunn Poly, Bowen Travel and of places I’ve collected on my travels. What do you do to relax? Amex before joining SuperBreak in 2000. On a Friday night I like to take a long hot What's a typical day like? bath with a good book and then get into my If you could change one thing in I’m based from home, so I could have the onesie and eat chocolate – not very ‘Rock the industry what would it be? whole day sitting at my desk or I could be ‘n’ Roll’ but it works for me! As much as social media has been a driving to another part of the UK to have a fantastic tool for the industry, it also comes commercial meeting, marketing meeting or What music do you listen to? with its downside. A negative post made in presenting to a group of managers. I spend My favourite bands are U2 and Elbow, so I haste when you’re disgruntled can have big quite a few nights away each month as listen to them in the car a lot. I’m also a bit repercussions, so I think we all need to be well - each day is totally different. partial to 80s classics. I recently went to see mindful of that and respectful of each Paul Heaton and re-lived all the old other’s businesses. Who has been your inspiration in Housemartins and Beautiful South songs the travel industry? from my youth. What's the best thing She’s not specific to the industry, but I think about your job? Mary Portas is a real inspiration. She’s What's your favourite movie? Meeting and talking with people in every someone who looks at what the buying I have a huge DVD collection, so that’s a part of the industry means I get a real sense public actually wants and challenges hard one. I’m a big Wes Anderson fan, so of what’s happening out there and can put retailers to respond. She’s been able to any of his films, but I also love a good into place key actions that can help sales transform both massive brands and Zombie horror: Shaun of the Dead, 28 Days increase for one single branch or for big individual retailers and make them hugely Later, Dawn of the Dead, that sort of thing. agency groups. successful.
12 June 12 2015 www.travelbulletin.co.uk S04 TB1206 2015 USA_Layout 1 10/06/2015 10:38 Page 13 usa
IMAGINATIVE TRAVELLER HAS BOOSTED...
its North America offering this year with 12 trips to the destination. They include a 13-day cycling trip around the Vineyards of California, several road trips along iconic routes including Route 66 and trips exploring the interior such as Texas and Arizona. As an example, a seven-day ‘Freedom Trail’ costs from £527 per person (with flights extra at around £300 per person) and offers a circular trip from New York via Philadelphia, Washington, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Niagara Falls, The Berkshires and Boston. The 'Basic' style trip offers camping accommodation to reduce costs and is aimed at younger travellers, aged 18-39. For details call 01728-885514 or see www.imaginative-traveller.com
Get your running shoes on with Travel 2’s agent booking incentive TRAVEL 2 reports a 97% increase in locations to its new-look Florida redeemable at more than 100 Orlando bookings to Orlando and, in response to 2015/16 programmes. Agents can now restaurants for children under 11 when this, has expanded its offering within its choose from handpicked luxury purchasing an adult meal. new 2015/16 Florida brochure and is mansion villas at Reunion Resort for a Meanwhile, to make things simple giving agents the opportunity to win bespoke family getaway, as well as the for agents booking Florida, the one of two pairs of personalised Encantada and Regal Oaks resorts in operator’s packages also feature car trainers. Kissimmee offering two-, three- and hire and theme park tickets, including To be entered into the ‘Just T2 It’ four-bedroom townhouses. Walt Disney World Resort, Universal prize draw, agents need to make a Agents can also take advantage of a Orlando Resort and SeaWorld, as well qualifying Florida booking including variety of offers including free night as some alternative excursions, flights and a minimum of five nights’ stays at a number of properties with including day trips to the Everglades, ground arrangements before June 30. early bird bookings. For customers with Kennedy Space Centre and Legoland The trade only specialist has added a families, the company is continuing to Florida. number of new villas in popular offer a ‘Kids Eat Free Orlando Card’, For details visit www.travel2.com
Montana & Wyoming deals from Ranch Rider with prices from £1,143 per person ACCORDING TO riding holiday regular gathers and drives. riding with a range of alternative specialist, Ranch Rider, Montana and Prices lead in at £1,143 per person activities from trapshooting to yoga. Wyoming are two of the most popular for six nights (no single supplement) A six-night stay leads in at £3,294 US destinations this season. including accommodation, meals, per person, based on two sharing and The company’s managing director, most ranch activites, taxes, transfers includes accommodation, meals, Tony Daly, said: “There’s a great deal and gratuities. A local payment of most ranch activities, premium of choice in both states, with working $400 per person is charged for the drinks and beverages (including guest and resort ranches appealing to Indian ride week which departs on alcohol), taxes and gratuities. Car a broad range of clients and budgets." June 21. hire (from £243) and flights are The Lonesome Spur Working Ranch At the other end of the scale is excluded. in Montana gives guests an insight Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch & Spa, For more information call 01509- into the genuine cowboy lifestyle with a luxury property combining trail 618811 or see www.ranchrider.com
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InBrief
● RIVIERA TRAVEL is offering a new ‘Deep South of USA’ tour for 2015. The 11-day trip costs £1,899 (or 14 days from £2,299) and is ideal for music fans as customers spend three days in New Orleans. The price includes flights, accommodation, transfers, guided excursions and a tour manager. See www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents
● IN ANTICIPATION of a US booking spike around Independence Day on July 4, Premier Holidays has put together a series of promotional window posters for agents to highlight the wide range of niche American products available - from the popular AMTRAK train to the newly added American Queen Steamboat and Eagle Rider Motorcycle Tours. Agents can request or download copies of the new window posters at www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk and can also earn between £25- £150 per booking, dependent on the booking value. Call 0844-493 7524 for details.
● WILD FLORIDA Airboats & Wildlife Park in Kissimmee is adding a ON THE Go Tours has launched a new selection of overland tours in new adventure to its range of activities: an all-terrain Ranch Buggy North America for travellers to experience the natural beauty of Canada and the US. They range from nine to 20 days and give road trippers the tour through one of the state’s oldest working cattle ranches. chance to explore national parks, lakes and rugged mountains by Guests can go back in time to experience ‘real’ Florida and see first- converted classic school bus with nights spent camping under the stars. hand the birthplace of cowboys and ranching in the United States. For more information call 020-7371 1113 or see For details see www.experiencekissimmee.com www.onthegotours.com
Boost commission by promoting popular Broadway shows to clients THE LATEST figures from New York reveal that just over 300,000 Brits saw a show on Broadway in the 2014/15 season (September-May inclusive), representing a rise of 20,400 British theatre-goers to Broadway over the previous 12-month period. It was also boosted by the fact that tickets to Broadway shows are now quick and easy for the trade to book in the UK via the British partners of Broadway Broadway Inbound, which has created The Broadway Collection of top shows that Bob Hofmann, vice president of Broadway with six new shows, bookable are promoted internationally. Broadway Inbound, said: “We are through a range of operators, opening in The value of this market can be seen delighted that so many more travel April: An American in Paris, Finding from the fact that, with average providers in the UK are recognising the Neverland, It Shoulda Been You, The Broadway ticket prices of about £77, the added value of booking theatre tickets King and I, Dr Zhivago and Something British visitor market is worth for their clients who are staying in or Rotten! – all of which are ideal for the £23.17million to Broadway theatres and, passing through New York. They are holiday market. with typical commission earnings at realising the significant extra income this For details see 20%, some £4.63million for the British can generate.” www.broadwaycollection.com and travel trade. This year has already started well for www.spotlightonbroadway.com
New tourist website from Louisiana Travel THOSE VISITING Louisiana can now easily source the perfect Hanson, said: “We are very excited to launch this new, brewery, winery and distillery suited to their trip with the convenient website which will be a great aid to British and launch of Louisiana Travel’s new website. Irish travellers looking to visit one of the many breweries or The state is home to a wide range of breweries, wineries distilleries, as everything they need is on one site. As there is and distilleries and visiting a few is always on many visitors’ so much to do in Louisiana - from the Plantation Homes, to to-do lists. It is also home to America’s first cocktail – the the swamps and the festivals - visitors can plan the perfect Sazerac which many visitors enjoy sampling. The new website trip in this beautiful state using the Louisiana Travel and celebrates the state’s cocktail culture, where users can find a Louisiana Libations’ websites.” brewery, winery and distillery suited to their trip and tastes. For further information see www.louisianalibations.com and The company’s account director UK and Ireland, Jody www.louisianatravel.com
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Funway issues USA 2016 brochure with new rail journeys & cruises FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched its USA 2016 brochure with a selection of new destinations plus special focus being placed on its range of holiday options available – from self-drive, coach, train, cruise and motorbike holidays. Also highlighted in the new brochure are National Parks with the addition of 12 new hotels featured around the key National Parks of Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and Bryce Canyon. There is also more emphasis on ranch holidays with the addition of four new properties. The brochure - bookable for travel until December 2016 - features a total of 90 new properties in some of the US’ most popular cities. As an example, one of the most unique accommodation additions is new Teepee accommodation at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. Meanwhile, new destinations include Wyoming, Montana and North and South Dakota, while new updates in the brochure include a dedicated section for National Parks and several new properties including John Muir Lodge and Cabins in Kings Canyon, The Ahwahnee in Yosemite, The Pines Resort at Bass Lake, Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins in Yellowstone, Zion Mountain Ranch and Pioneer Lodge in Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon Resort and The Lodge at Bryce Canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park. Other new additions include rail journeys, featuring the Chicago to California Zephyr by Rail, plus Haimark Cruises, which are renowned for their luxurious journeys delving into North America's maritime history and the vistas of all five Great Lakes. Commenting on the new brochure, the operator’s marketing executive, Rebecca Evans, said: “The additions come off the back of listening to our clients’ wishes. They are keen to explore ‘off-the-beaten’ track destinations even further and this brochure enables them to see all of our options, including key destinations such as Orlando, New York and Las Vegas.” Holiday prices start from £519 per person including seven nights in Orlando staying in a Disney Area Private three-bedroom standard home including flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick in November.
Yosemite Valley
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THE FORT WORTH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (FWCVB) in partnership with Stockyards Station, Billy Bob's Texas, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Stockyards Museum, has announced a new all-in-one Stockyards Adventure pass, the latest tour offering from the City of Cowboys & Culture. The new experience in the Stockyards National Historic District includes a guided historical walking tour, a souvenir photo, admission to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, admission to the Stockyards Museum and a screening of the ‘Spirit of the West’ movie. Tickets cost from $28 for adults and $22 for children. For details see www.fortworth.com/stockyardsadventure
Philadelphia highlights last minute summer packages with prices from £905 THE PHILADELPHIA weekend, PHLCVB has See www.bon-voyage.co.uk. standard room. It includes Convention & Visitors Bureau rounded up a series of last Alternatively, North flights from Heathrow on (PHLCVB) is encouraging minute summer packages. America Travel Service is selected dates during July. couples to discover the Examples include a four- offering a four-night, room- For more information visit birthplace of America with a night, room-only stay at only package at The Ritz- www.northamericatravel trip to Philadelphia. Hilton Penn's Landing from Carlton from £1,579, based service.co.uk Following the launch of £905 per person with on two adults sharing a or call 0845-122 88 99. increased airlift from Delta America As You Like It. The Air Lines and American price is based on two adults Philadelphia Airlines, travelling to the East sharing and includes British Coast city has been made Airways’ flights from easier with seven daily flights Heathrow at dates from Heathrow, Dublin and throughout August. For Manchester, plus additional details see seasonal flights from www.americaasyoulikeit.com Glasgow and Shannon. Bon Voyage is offering a Whether visitors are five-night, room-only looking to be in Philadelphia package at the five-star for the iconic Wawa Welcome Loews Hotel from £1,225 America Independence Day including flights from celebrations or the long Heathrow or Manchester August bank holiday between June 30 and July 3.
Florida preview brochure from Gold Medal GOLD MEDAL has launched its 2016 Florida preview brochure featuring theme park information and offers, plus more than 50 hotel options across the state, including Orlando, St Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Naples, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Florida Keys. InBrief The beaches of the Space Coast – Cocoa Beach are also ● KIMPTON HOTELS is scheduled to open Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, showcased as ‘Orlando’s beaches’ to highlight their close Texas this summer. The wine-themed hotel will offer 319 proximity to the theme parks, while ‘stay & cruise’ itineraries guestrooms, 41 suites and an outdoor terrace pool and bar to western and eastern Caribbean, plus a Disney option to overlooking downtown Austin. ‘stay & cruise’, including a stop at Disney’s private island See www.hotelvanzandt.com and www.kimptonhotels.com retreat – Castaway Cay, are also featured. The launch of the operator’s brochure also coincides with ● CLIENTS CAN save 20% or more on popular Detroit attractions the return of Disney’s free dine promotion which offers with a D Discount Pass. Current participants include the Arab guests staying at a Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa American National Museum, Charles H. Wright Museum of African free dining plans. American History, Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, Ford Piquette Ruth Hilton, the company’s head of sales and business Avenue Plant, The Henry Ford, Michigan Science Center, Motown development, said: “From the magic of Disney to the thrills of Museum and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. The pass is accepted at Universal, the brochure is packed full of theme park fun, but participating venues until the end of the year. for those looking for something a little more laid back the See www.visitdetroit.com/discount beaches of the Atlantic Coast are equally as appealing.”
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FOR TRAVEL IN 2016
Disney Dining REAKFAST FREEFREE FREE B
Our hugely popular FREE Disney Dining and FREE Breakfast offers are back on the table.*
Staying at a Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Staying at a Disney Value Resort?†† Villa Resort?^ • Book by 9 Jul 2015, for selected BOTH OFFERS COMBINABLE WITH • Book by 3 Nov 2015, for selected arrivals arrivals 1 Jan–30 Oct 2016**§, and your 1 Jan–30 Nov 2016**, and everyone in the party customers will enjoy free breakfast, 14 DISNEY every day of their stay. PARK DAYS dines for FREE for the entire stay. FOR THE PRICE OF7 • Di sney Moderate Resort guests receive Remember… Disney Quick Service Dining Plan. • Bookings must be for five nights • Disne y Deluxe Resort or selected Deluxe or more, and include Disney †
Villa Resort guests receive Disney Dining Plan. Park Tickets. †For arrivals on selected dates 1 Jan–30 Nov 2016.
FIND OUT ALL THE DETAILS NOW AT DISNEYTRAVELAGENTS.CO.UK
*Full terms and conditions apply — see disneytravelagents.co.uk for details. ^Excludes Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. **Excludes arrivals 16 Mar–2 Apr 2016. ††Excludes Little Mermaid accommodation at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. §For bookings of over five nights or more, including Disney Park Tickets. ©Disney. S05 TB1206 2015 Holiday Parks_Layout 1 10/06/2015 10:41 Page 18 holidayparks
Getting the most from sales by promoting family activities by TIM SISSONS, In2action
HE WAY that families interact with each other has with find that pictures of swimming pool inflatables, high ropes changed dramatically over the last few decades. More courses and Segway circuits really draw in bookings. Tthan ever now, both parents work full-time meaning However, we don’t just look at the type of activities that are they get to spend less time with their children during the suitable for a holiday park or hotel, we think strategically about working week. the best timings for them. For example, holding a popular This means that customer habits have changed and activity such as archery just before or just after lunch time increasingly parents are looking for holiday activities that allow means guests are more likely to stay on site to eat, increasing them to spend time together as a family. They may want to food and beverage spend on the site. drop the children off to a kids’ club for a day or two, but we are seeing big demand for activities that the whole family can take INCREASED REBOOKING RATES part in together, such as arts and crafts, archery and treasure If you’re able to offer fun activities that guests enjoy, it will hunts. always contribute to them coming back. For example, when The beauty of family activities is that the onus isn’t on the selling to your clients, bear in mind a park’s activities provision parents to think of ways to entertain the children; the holiday and you can go one step further in highlighting the benefits of companies provide the ideas and instructors and all they have a particular resort. As part of this, offering activities at to do is book and turn up. We work with a number of the UK’s different abilities or certificate levels gives people a reason to leading holiday parks and venues, and their family activities - return in order to take the ‘next step’. For example, if a park particularly parent and toddler ones - are incredibly popular. offers beginner, intermediate and advanced certificates in archery, clients are likely to come back the following year to FAMILY FIRSTS book the next stage. There’s no better way to implant the memory of your holiday One of our popular activities is circus skills and we find our park or hotel in a parent’s mind than to create a family first customers book a lot of return visits to these classes. One of right there. For example, we run ‘Balanceability’ activities at a the main reasons is that activity staff demonstrate all possible large number of parks which teach young children to ride skills at the start of session one, and then participants are bikes, so frequently we see youngsters riding a bike for the taught a selection of them during the first class. They then first time while they’re on holiday. Happy memories such as have the ability to come back for further sessions, where they these stay with families forever, meaning the memory of the can learn more of the skills that they saw. holiday park will be with them every time they think about From our experience over the last decade we have found booking a holiday. that holiday parks and venues with no activities often struggle to keep guests on-site. This means that money that could be BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS spent on-site is taken elsewhere, effectively turning the venue Believe it or not, children do have a big influence in booking into a ‘bed and breakfast’. family holidays and bright, exciting pictures of fun activities act There’s no doubt that if activities are run right and staff are as ‘brochure highlights’ that draw youngsters in and get them trained correctly, it will give guests a reason to return – and a persuading their parents to book a particular site. reason for them to return to you to book if you know exactly A lot of the holiday parks, hotels and tour operators we work what is available to match your clients’ requirements. I
Dream Lodge Group adds new experiences at Norfolk Park THE DREAM Lodge Group has introduced New facilities include a state-of-the- from next month. new experiences at Norfolk Park for this art gym, on site bicycle hire for guests to Ideal for families, Norfolk Park summer. explore the nearby Bacton Woods, a features a heated outdoor swimming pool The resort, which is set deep within convenience shop, a salon and spa and the Olive Tree restaurant on site. the countryside between the Broads and treatments. Prices start from £299 for a four-night, the North Norfolk coast, offers a range of The new offerings are complemented mid-week break in a Gold Leisure Home. family-friendly amenities as well as a by the launch of the Summit Lodge, For more information see selection of packages to suit any taste. which is available for holiday bookings www.dreamlodgeholidays.co.uk
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‘Simple Pleasures of Summer’ giveaway from Bourne Leisure
AGENTS CAN indulge in the ‘Simple Pleasures of Summer’ with Bourne Leisure’s new summer incentive offering £5 for every summer Butlin’s and Haven booking, as well as the chance to win one of three big summer prizes. Agents who make a booking by July 26 for their customers to stay at one of Butlin’s three seaside resorts or Haven’s 35 coastal holiday parks LOCATED WITHIN an hour of Disneyland Paris, Hoseasons is highlighting the five-star La Croix du during July and August for Vieux Pont which offers entertainment for the whole family. Facilities include waterslides for the kids, a minimum of three nights a lagoon-style outdoor pool with dedicated hydro-massage areas and activities including archery, tennis, bike hire and canoeing. The luxury lodges all come with an open plan kitchen/diner, a bedroom can claim a £5 Love2Shop with a balcony and sleep up to ten people. A three-night weekend short break costs from £323, while a voucher. week costs from £820. A return bus service runs to Disney Resort between April and October and In addition, for every costs 17 euros for adults, 14 euros for children aged two-11 and ten euros for children under two. voucher claimed, agents For details see www.hoseasons.co.uk or call 0345-498 6130. are automatically entered into a weekly prize draw to win one of the three Mill Rythe offers exclusive three-day summer stage school prizes including a family NEW AND exclusive for the last night, all eight-17 at a supplement to day pass for a Butlin’s 2015, Mill Rythe Holiday participants will get to the holiday cost. resort or Haven holiday Village on Hayling Island, perform alongside the A four-night, half board park with additional Hampshire is introducing a resort’s resident show cast stay, based on a July 27 extras, £50 in Love2Shop stage school programme and a leading principal from arrival costs £149 per adult, vouchers or a Wi-Fi during the family break London's West End in the £74 per child aged eight-15, camera. There are eight from July 27-31. stage production 'The and £37 for children aged weekly prize draws and no Across the three days Greatest Musicals of All two-seven. Kids under two limit to the amount of three classes are available - Time'. Children will also years go free. times an agent can be singing, acting and dancing receive a '2015 Summer Accommodation is in entered. - led by qualified teachers. Stage School' diploma twin/double, family and The company’s national There will also be two certificate at the end of the single rooms with en suite sales manager, Louise master classes with leading break. facilities and a TV. Tansey, said: “Agent principal stars from The theatre school is For further details see bookings are crucial to London's West End and, on available to children aged www.mill-rythe.com our continued success, especially over the Al Fresco adds new parks in France and new activities summer, and that’s why we love coming up with AL FRESCO Holidays has added three new activities this year, including a new Funfair these fun incentives to parks in France for this year - La Adventure which includes a mini quad trail, reward our agent Palmeraie in Roussillon, La Sirene and Le trampolines, bungee-trampolines, a partners. Both Butlin’s Pin Parasol in the Vendée. climbing wall and a tree climbing trail. The and Haven properties New activities also feature in the brand new Games Challenge area will keep represent the operator’s new programme. kids entertained all day including games quintessential British The company’s sales manager, John consoles, pool table, table tennis tables, seaside holiday so a Escott, said: “Yelloh! Village le Serignan football tables and air hockey.” Simple Pleasures of Plage has introduced a new children’s fun The operator has introduced up to 20% Summer giveaway is the pool with water jets and slides and Eden on off July and August holidays, and lead-in perfect way to bring back the shores of Lake Garda has added a new prices start from £706 per person for a fond memories of great wellness area, perfect for a relaxing Italian seven-night stay in a mobile home that British summers gone by.” escape. Similarly, Yelloh! Village Le sleeps six at La Croix du Vieux Pont in For more information see Brasilia has added a new spa area. Champagne. www.bourneleisure “Norcenni Girasole Club in Tuscany has For more information visit www.alfresco- sales.co.uk added some exciting offerings to its holidays.com or call 0843-636 2282.
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Getting the most out of your clients’ holidays Down Under by MATT GREENWOOD, sales development manager – Oceania, Gold Medal
RAVEL ‘DOWN Under’ continues and give the agent a competitive the Grampians for spectacular walks, to flourish with increased advantage over a web search. waterfalls and panoramic views. In the Tdemand to both Australia and Next, an important consideration is Yarra Valley clients can then explore New Zealand and we are seeing strong cabin class. In addition to the the rolling vineyards and meander forward bookings for departures into Economy cabin, a continued demand down the Mornington Peninsula for next year, demonstrating a solid for Premium cabins has recently seen chic beachfront towns along with fine interest in the mid- to long-term. an upsurge in on board product food and wine - all without having to Agents certainly have an opportunity enhancements, as well as additional cross a state border! to capitalise on this interest and airlines offering a Premium Economy Whichever destinations a client demand – whether it be for flight-only cabin. It’s important to note that a chooses to incorporate into their visit bookings for clients to visit family or Premium Economy product can differ of this spectacular part of the world, friends or a much bigger multi-state depending on the airline – some offer following a few select tips can itinerary. merely an increase in leg room where certainly enhance their experience: as others, for example Air New GETTING THE FLIGHT RIGHT Zealand, offer a revolutionary ● If the itinerary allows, try and select When thinking about flights, one tip Spaceseat, Premium check in and a flight arriving in the late afternoon to bear in mind is that domestic upgraded meal options. or early evening. That way, they will flights can be significantly cheaper be ready for a good night’s sleep to when booked with an international GETTING THE MOST FROM reduce the effects of jetlag. flight thanks to stronger airline A HOLIDAY alliances. They also tend to offer a So, we’ve thought about how to get ● If travelling during peak dates and greater degree of flexibility and offer there, now where to start from there? struggling for availability, consider the same baggage allowance as the My advice is always to make sure you a one-way upgrade. For example, international section of the journey. don’t try and pack too much into a rather than paying a higher There are also an increasing short space of time. Two-week Economy fare, the price difference number of options for regional itineraries are now becoming more between Economy and Premium departures – don’t forget the feasible thanks to better value Economy may not be too much European airlines – even though they airfares. And don’t be afraid to more. don’t offer a flight themselves to suggest a one state, or one island, ● For self-drive clients not wishing to Oceania, they do offer fares in co- itinerary. Clients often feel they have pre-book or pre-plan their operation with alliance and interline to see as much of Australia or New accommodation, recommend an partners. Zealand as possible, but they can open dated accommodation pass. This also opens the door to a quite easily take in spectacular This way their accommodation is different variety of stopover beaches, fantastic wines, wildlife and budgeted for whilst still giving the destinations, which can be a minefield iconic sites by sticking to one place. flexibility they desire and of course in itself; at the last count I identified For example, two weeks in Victoria these are commissionable. 50 possibilities! By becoming familiar can offer clients the opportunity to with which airline can offer which discover cosmopolitan Melbourne and ● Try not to incorporate more than stopover destination, agents can St Kilda, drive the Ocean Road to one domestic flight for each week provide their clients with perhaps experience the Twelve Apostles along clients are in Australia. There is some less obvious choices – but ones with quaint towns and historic less danger of overcrowding an which represent great value for money shipwrecks, and then progress up to itinerary. ■
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InBrief
● TOURISM AUSTRALIA has announced that Queensland's Gold Coast will play host to the country's largest annual tourism trade show - the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) - in 2016.
● TRAVEL 2 is offering a three-day Abel Tasman- Walking Experience tour, a small group guided walking holiday that takes in the sights of New Zealand’s Nelson, Awaroa and Torrent Bay. Normally done as part of a larger itinerary, the operator has priced the tour separately from flights, with prices from £725 per person for travel in October. Flights with Air New Zealand are from £1,076 per person.
TEEING OFF this September is the launch of The Kinloch Club Villas. Set on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand, the property overlooks a Jack Nicklaus golf course and offers 26 one-bedroom apartments plus two- and three-bedroom villas. The club offers a Junior suite at £240 per person, per Emirates announces night and includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapés and use of the swimming pool and tennis court. debut Airbus For details visit www.kinloch-golf.com A380 service to Perth Western Australia promotes walks, wildlife & wheels WESTERN AUSTRALIA reports that it is meals, tours and on-land activities. EMIRATES HAS expanded witnessing an increase in demand for new Meanwhile, EcoAdventures Margaret the network of walking tours. River is offering the exploration of Leeuwin destinations served by its To capitalise on this demand, Inspiration Naturaliste National Park by bespoke A380 aircraft with the Outdoors has launched a new ten-day electric quadbikes. Journeying off-the- launch of the first A380 Karijini and Chichester Ranges walking tour beaten-track, customers will discover service into Perth. which explores the Pilbara region in places few locals have seen, with tours The new service will Australia’s North West. Costing from £1,528 costing from £50 per person. transport up to 982 per person, the camping based group trek Other new developments in the state passengers inbound and includes accommodation, a guide and all include flights over the Margaret River outbound daily between meals, with tours departing in May 2016. coastline in vintage Tiger Moth aeroplanes Perth and Dubai and, in Walk into Luxury is also offering new all- from Tiger Moth Adventure Flights, with line with the boost in inclusive luxury treks along the Cape to flights from £94; and new stand-up paddle services, the carrier is Cape Track. A four-day itinerary costs from board lessons with West Oz Kiteboarding in also further investing into £1,030 and includes guided walks, Shoalwater Bay. The one-and-a-half hour the West Australian accommodation, a private vineyard visit, a lessons are available for all abilities and market by announcing massage and gourmet food and wine cost from £53 per person. plans of an expanded throughout. Alternatively, for an adventure on two lounge at Perth Airport. Cape to Cape Explorer Tours has also wheels, Two Feet and a Heartbeat Walking Set to open later this introduced a new Sunset Forest and Cave Tours has added its first bike tour on year, the lounge will offer Explorer evening tour which costs from £40, Rottnest Island. Combining cycling with increased capacity to cater while Eco Abrolhos has launched a new history, the two-and-a-half hour tours are for passengers travelling five-day eco cruise to the Abrolhos Islands, graded as easy, but provide an in-depth on the A380. allowing nature lovers to observe the 90 introduction to the island and orientation, For further information plus species of seabirds, in addition to ideal for those who want to ramp it up later or to make a booking migratory humpback whales, bottle-nose in the day. Tours cost from £20 per person. visit www.emirates.com dolphins and sea lions. The cruise costs For further information see from £877 and includes accommodation, www.westernaustralia.com
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Nature Coast launches the ‘Great Beach Drive’ AUSTRALIA’S NATURE Coast, which has been established by the Sunshine and Fraser Coast tourism organisations to jointly market their regions, has put together an itinerary involving six drives covering the region, which can We asked our staff the be tailored to meet the specific interests and time span of each individual visitor. following question this week: The new product is targeted at European visitors and provides more than I'm not very good at.... 200km of beach driving (with self-drive options or guided tours) which capture the coastline, scenery and wildlife along Queensland’s Sunshine Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe and Fraser coasts. [email protected] David Spear, general manager of Fraser Coast Opportunities, said that Being unhappy. the combination of easy accessibility and the rich diversity of the Editor: Lauretta Wright destination make it one of the most exciting international and domestic [email protected] products released in Australia this year. Choosing a care-free, laid-back attitude - but I'm The drive starts in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, where travellers can working on it... kayak, canoe or take a cruise on the Noosa Everglades, before taking to Editorial Assistant: Adam Potter their four wheel drive for a trek on the ‘beach highway’ to Rainbow Beach. [email protected] On route travellers will have the chance to see the abundant wildlife and Tennis. take in numerous historic sites plus a variety of water and adventure sports Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore on offer. [email protected] For further information such as tide times, track conditions, safety ...getting up in the morning, de-cluttering, "No, just guidelines, camping and permits visit www.australiasnaturecoast.com a half of Guinness..." Sales Director: Simon Eddolls [email protected] Baking. Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger [email protected] Being good. Account Manager: Bill Coad [email protected] Anything. Account Manager: Matt Gill [email protected] Cycling backwards. Marketing Assistant: Gemma Reeve [email protected] Keeping plants alive. Senior Designer: Lee Telot Great Beach Drive - Nature Coast [email protected] Monopoly. Assistant Designer: Tom Davies [email protected] Waking up on time. Production: Charlie Burns InBrief [email protected] Sewing. ● MINOR HOTEL Group has announced an expansion in Australia with the launch of two new properties in Perth; AVANI Hotel and AVANI Residences. The announcement marks the brand’s entry into the Australian market with an investment of more than AUD $110million.
● BOOKINGS MADE before June 30 for a ten-night stay at the One&Only, Hayman Island will receive two nights complimentary. Prices start from £3,079 per person when staying in a Lagoon Room on a bed-and-breakfast basis including flights and Travel Bulletin is published by transfers. The offer is valid for travel until September 15. Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Buxton Press puzzlesolutions Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419 Crossword: Across: 1. LUFTHANSA, 6. AUSTRALIA, 7. YUKON, 9. OLSEN, 10. EEL, 11. EAGLE, 12. KLIMT, 14. RADCLIFFE, 16. NASHVILLE. Down: 1. LENNY HENRY, 2. FRANK, 3. NORFOLK, 4. AKL, 5. BARNSTAPLE, 8. NEEDLES, 13. IDEAL, 15. DON.
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