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February 3 2017 | ISSUE NO 2,000 | travelbulletin.co.uk
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February 3 2017 | ISSUE NO 2,000 | travelbulletin.co.uk
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Luxury How agents can capitalise on this lucrative market
this week scandinavia event bulletin bulletin briefing 19 all-inclusive 14 17 New winter 23 images from our news & views from adventures in operators promote airline showcase the Advantage Travel Sweden new property in Chester Group additions S01 TB 0302 2017 Start_Layout 1 01/02/2017 11:27 Page 2 S01 TB03022017Start_Layout101/02/201711:27Page3
Cover Pictures: Main - Dirima Inset - Scandinavia Only Hotel rates drop by almost 12% across UK according to new research new to according UK across 12% almost by drop rates Hotel 08 travelbulletin.co.uk (£152) per night. per (£152) eurosrooms174 averagingwith expensive destination most the as spot top the taking Zurich seeing 2015, in spot top fromcapitalfellthe UK Europe’s the cities, major bothalso experienced afall in room rates. mostexpensive destinations in the UK respectively –although andManchester (117 euros/£102) were the second and third Europe.in stay to city expensivemostsecond the also was it but destination, top UK’sremainedonlyexpensivethe most not London 2016. in night per euros(£150) 172 averagestrong, costingan relativelyheld capitalstill the roomin rateshotel London, previousyear.the compared2016 with in 12% nearly by acrosscountry the droppedhave UK revealedthe roomaveragein rates that has - Solutions HotelGlobal – fromHRS data THELATEST 09 03 FOUR UK tour operators recently visited KwaZulu-Natal on a week-long educational to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Resort’s properties within the South the within properties Resort’s Wildlife KZN Ezemvelo to educational week-long a on KwaZulu-Natal visited recently operators tour UK FOUR African province. The group comprised a selected group of operators including Dive Worldwide, 2by2 Holidays, Barrhead Travel and Travel Nation – Nation Travel and Travel Barrhead Holidays, 2by2 Worldwide, Dive including operators of group selected a comprised group The province. African together with the Ezemvelo KZN representative in the UK, Natalie de la Porte from AMG Representation. Following the Etihad flight to Durban, the Durban, to flight Etihad the Following Representation. AMG from Porte la de Natalie UK, the in representative KZN Ezemvelo the with together group stayed for one night at aha Gateway Hotel in Umhlanga, followed by six nights at three of the most popular Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife resort Wildlife KZN Ezemvelo popular most the of three at nights six by followed Umhlanga, in Hotel Gateway aha at night one for stayed group properties. The week-long itinerary included the opportunity to explore a range of the adventure activities EKW offers in the province including a including province the in offers EKW activities adventure the of range a explore to opportunity the included itinerary week-long The properties. stay at Hilltop Resort and Safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Safari - the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa; game viewing in the Ithala the in viewing game Africa; in reserve nature proclaimed oldest the - Safari Park Hluhluwe-Imfolozi the in Safari and Resort Hilltop at stay Game Reserve; and the chance to dive at Sodwana Bay on the north coast. Pictured on the beach at Sodwana Bay are, from the left: Rhona Finch, Rhona left: the from are, Bay Sodwana at beach the on Pictured coast. north the on Bay Sodwana at dive to chance the and Reserve; Game 2by2 Holidays; Tracey Hunter, Barrhead Travel; Alex Roberts, Dive Worldwide; and Grainne Sheffer, Travel Nation. Nation. Travel Sheffer, Grainne and Worldwide; Dive Roberts, Alex Travel; Barrhead Hunter, Tracey Holidays; 2by2
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This week 11 12 16 14 in Chester images from our airline showcase event bulletin £50 M&S voucher play Su Doku for your chance to win a puzzle bulletin prizes give you the chance to win a range of as we mark our 2,000th issue, we celebration bulletin Travel Group news & views from the Advantage bulletin briefing overnight stays costing 241 euros (£210) per night in 2016 – 2016 in night per euros(£210) costing241 staysovernight averageglobally,destinationwith expensive topmost visitors."forcosteffective option a as businessfor open is Britain that demonstrating capitaliseon canthey how considerurgeto hoteliers would we throughout2016, UK the steadilyin havefallen destinationsacross top all Euro.the against pound British the performanceof the also and year,Brexit this later of impact full the be braceourselvesmight we what foras preparedbe further should industry hotel the but UK, the in hotels roomaverageof rates the on effect on knock a had likelyhave Brexittois the from vote2016 of out fall “The Europe.in stayto destination top cheapest joint Warsawthe by as only matched was that price a – 2016 in night per euros(£65) 75 Looking at worldwide room rates, New YorkroomNewrates, the worldwide was at Looking revealedhas roomaverageratesdata that our “Whilst said: Besent, director,Andy managing company's The to down 18%, nearlydroprate of biggest the saw Istanbul 27
February 32017
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newsbulletin continued from previous page a slight fall of nearly 9% against 2015 prices. Washington Finally, Tokyo took third place as the most expensive top became the second most expensive destination globally, destination for hotel accommodation, following a 12% rise with average room rates costing 219 euros (£191) in 2016, on the previous year – resulting in average room rates up 6% on the previous year. costing 191 euros (£167) per night.
Tourist scams ‘cost Brits hundreds’ Lapland adventure beckons for Yorkshire families NEW RESEARCH carried out by Satsuma on around FAMILIES ACROSS Yorkshire have more choice to visit Lapland 2,000 UK adults reveals how much the average Brit later this year, with the announcement that Newmarket Holidays spends on extra costs including excess luggage, tourist is adding a special departure from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). tax and insurance, among others. It also raises the The operator has announced a one-day special departure to question about how much Brits are targeted with scams Lapland in December, an addition to the LBA programme for - from friendly ATM helpers to fake police officers and winter 2017/18. broken taxi meters. The day trip will include numerous once-in-a-lifetime The survey found that while on holiday, the average opportunities, including a private family meeting with Santa, a person saves £460 for spending money. However, one in husky drawn safari and a traditional reindeer sleigh ride. five Brits face extra luggage charges at the airport and, Families have until the end of March to secure a visit to at the hotel, one in four travellers find they have to pay Lapland for a £50 deposit and the trip is being offered at extra to use the Wi-Fi. 2016 prices. The survey also found that 43% of people in Britain For more information visit newmarketholidays.co.uk/18242 are hit with tourist tax at the end of their stay and that just one in ten Brits are aware of ‘friendly’ ATM helpers, with 15% aware of fake police officers. Meanwhile, one of the biggest scams travellers are faced with are injured or child beggars (35%) and broken taxi meters (18%). The company has created a tool that offers tips and advice on avoiding scams and excessive luggage fees. See satsumaloans.co.uk/holiday-pitfalls/
CroisiEurope's art-themed cruise offers 'impressionist view of the Seine' CROISIEUROPE IS offering its guests an ‘Impressionist View of the Seine’ with a new art themed cruise for 2017. The seven-day cruise from Paris to Honfleur features three onboard presentations by experts, as well as guided visits to sites that inspired numerous masterpieces. Highlights include presentations on the origins and techniques of Impressionism, Claude and the geography of Impressionism: Paris and the suburbs, Honfleur and the Norman coast; a guided audio tour of the Chateau d’Auvers-sur-Oise; a visit to the Musée Marmottan in Paris; a visit to Claude Monet's house in Giverny; a tour of Rouen and the Musée des Beaux-Arts; a tour of the Abbaye Saint Wandrille then on to Jumièges and the 10th century church of Sainte-Pierr; tours of Honfleur and the Alabaster Coast; an evening cruise on the Seine; and a 'Guinguette’ (French dance hall) evening. Onboard, guests are offered meals and unlimited complimentary beverages (excluding Champagne and premium wines). There are four departures this year - on May 10, May 25, July 9 and August 26 on the MS Seine Princess, MS AROUND THE WORLD...To celebrate the launch of its new route from Doha to Auckland on February 5, Qatar Airways hosted a 3D activation Renoir and MS Botticelli. in Brent Cross shopping centre. A 3D artwork of the world was drawn Cruise-only prices start from £1,270 per person on the ground with a plane flying from London, via Doha to Auckland including all meals and drinks onboard, excursions, encouraging people to interact with the image to win return flights to onboard presentations and entertainment, plus Wi-Fi Auckland. The return flight from Auckland to Doha is now the world’s and port fees. longest flight at 17.5 hours. Pictured are, from the left: Shereen Fada, Qatar Airways; Ataraiti Waretini, Tourism New Zealand; and Angela To book or for more information call 020-8328 1281 or Muteanu, Qatar Airways. visit croisieurope.co.uk
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GATWICK AIRPORT has achieved a new annual record with a reported 43 million passengers travelling through the airport each year. Long- haul destination Toronto saw the biggest passenger increase with 191,124 passengers - up 97% in 2016 compared to the previous year, while Belfast International saw the biggest increase in passenger numbers with an increase of 388,486 passengers - up 83% versus New Royal Brunei feature offers upgrades 2015. This year the airport forecasts that the most popular long-haul ROYAL BRUNEI Airlines has introduced ‘RB Upgrades’, a new destinations will include Barbados, Dubai, Jamaica, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando and Vancouver, whilst in short-haul Amsterdam, feature on flyroyalbrunei.com which allows Economy Class Edinburgh, Barcelona and Venice will occupy the top spots. passengers holding eligible tickets to make an offer for an upgrade to a Business Class seat. Economy tickets purchased online will follow with an email Two-for-one deal from On The Go Tours invitation for an upgrade. Passengers who accept the offer will ON THE GO Tours is running a two-for-one offer, along then receive an email notification between 96 to 24 hours prior with a selection of savings to be made on a range of to their flight departure asking them to make payment to destinations. confirm their purchase. If a passenger’s offer is not successful, The two-for-one offer includes Africa overland safari tours they will not be charged. and India and Vietnam group tours. Karam Chand, CEO at the airline, said: “The introduction of As an example, a 14-day Cape to Namibia overland safari RB Upgrades provides a great opportunity for our Economy tour in South Africa and Namibia now costs £248 per person, passengers to enjoy our renowned Business Class experience. based on two people travelling together. This is part of our ongoing initiative to surprise and delight The price includes one night in Ashanti Lodge in Cape Town, our passengers.” two nights’ accommodation in Swakopmund and ten nights’ For more information visit flyroyalbrunei.com camping with 13 breakfasts, ten lunches and nine dinners; all camping fees and equipment; the services of a three person crew and a fully equipped overland truck for transport and game drives; park entry and a game drive in Etosha National Park; a Cape Town Township tour; wine tasting in Cederberg; half day canoeing on the Orange River; transfer to Sossusvlei for Desert Walk; arrival transfer from Cape Town airport; and all road taxes and tolls. The offer is valid on two people travelling before December 31 when booked by February 15 and excludes local payments. MOVERS G SISTER RIVER cruise brands, Scenic and Emerald Waterways, have appointed Simon McDermott and Wendi Hardy as sales managers to its on-the-road team. G SHEARINGS LEISURE Group has appointed Richard Calvert as CEO. G PAUL SIES has joined Air Malta as chief commercial officer. G JULIAN WALKER has joined Carlson Wagonlit Travel as head of market communications and PR. G C. GANGADHAR has been appointed assistant director at the India Tourism Office London. G THE NAMIBIA Tourism Board has appointed Maureen Posthuma as global head of marketing. G LISA HARRIS has joined Avios as customer director. G THE MEETINGS Industry Association has appointed Mia Butler as sales director. G ANDREW FISH has joined Finnair as general manager UK, Ireland and Benelux. G CELEBRITY CRUISES has promoted Nicola McNeish to the role of head of sales planning and activation. G BELMOND HAS appointed Kenneth Hatton as senior vice president of global development. G TIM NORWOOD has been appointed Gatwick’s new chief planning officer, commencing February 27.
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newsbulletin QHotels doubles the enjoyment for golfers in its new 'Bogoff' deals QHOTELS IS offering visiting golfers the opportunity to double their enjoyment with a 'Bogoff' offer - Buy One Get One Fourball Free - at each of its ten venues. Until March 31, golfers booking a fourball at any of the company's venues will receive a voucher entitling them to another fourball visit, with the only stipulation being it must be used at the same property by the end of March. John Angus, the company's group director of golf, said: "This offer is just another initiative in our drive to get more people playing golf and getting healthier. It's ideal for golfers because they always ‘leave some shots' out on the course - this way they get a quick opportunity to get back out there and put it right." For more information visit bit.ly/QH-bogoff
'Europe & Worldwide’ brochure launch from SuperBreak offers new experiences NEW NORDIC ADVENTURES, Viking Line ship exploring experiential tours, the Faroe Stockholm’s islands and Helsinki. Islands and a host of new hotels Prices are from £229 per person are just some of the key including flights, hotel developments in SuperBreak’s 2017 accommodation and cruise. ‘Europe & Worldwide’ brochure. The company has added two The programme offers 601 packages on the South Coast of properties (223 of which are new Iceland for this year - The Land of additions) across 78 locations, as the Hot Springs and In The well as a selection of excursions, Shadows of Volcanoes, with prices live performances and experiences. from £478 including three nights' For the first time, the brochure accommodation, flights from features a dedicated section on Gatwick and return FlyBus tickets Nordic Adventures. The south coast from Reykjavik to the south in of Iceland is featured, as are mid-March. Midnight Sun and Northern Lights Meanwhile, new experiences breaks in Tromso. Two new include a two-night stay plus Scandinavian mini cruises theatre show in Paris from £146, a packages have also been two-night stay plus Amsterdam introduced including a three-night Pictured highlighting the new brochure launch is Cocktail Cruise from £191 and a break that includes one night in the operator's Graham Balmforth with Cherie two-night Lisbon stay with a food Richards, commercial director of The Global Travel Stockholm with two nights on a Group. tour from £94. Multi-generational learning at New Birmingham hub for bmi regional Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa BMI REGIONAL is creating a new hub at Birmingham Airport, launching three new European routes from the UK’s second SANTIBURI BEACH Resort & Spa in Thailand's Samui city - to Graz, Austria, Nuremburg, Germany and has unveiled a new collection of multi-generational Gothenburg, Sweden. experiences suited to all ages. The Graz flight will commence on February 27, initially with Encompassing marine, wellness, culinary, culture a twice-weekly service on Mondays and Fridays, with fares and sports, each highlight the luxury island’s tropical from £99 one-way. The Nuremberg and Gothenburg routes will environment and rich local culture and encourage launch on May 8, with six return flights per week and fares guests to learn a new skill to take home. from £79 and £89 one-way respectively. Activities include a selection of marine sports which William Pearson, aviation director of Birmingham Airport, make the most the most of sun, sea and surf; as well said: “It is great news that bmi regional will be offering flights as underwater wonders of diving or snorkelling the to Nuremberg, Gothenburg and Graz this year. All three routes coral reefs around Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh are currently unserved from Birmingham, so we thank bmi Tao with qualified instructors. regional for filling these gaps and offering leisure travellers the Culinary activities allow food lovers to learn about chance to visit these vibrant city break destinations in Sweden, essential Thai ingredients while visiting the resort’s Austria and Germany.” onsite herb garden, as well as the chance to prepare All fares include complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks, popular dishes under the guidance of one of the 23kg of hold luggage, allocated seating and 30-minute check- resort’s chefs. Young chefs can also treat their family to ins. a meal of simple yet flavourful Thai dishes they’ve For more information or to book visit flybmi.com prepared with the help of a professional chef.
Guests can also sign up to guided temple tours of Koh Samui including special monk blessings and the opportunity to participate in the age-old practice of giving alms to local Buddhist monks, while for active holidaymakers, tennis, beach volleyball and football are available, along with daily fitness programmes and wellness consultations. Other activities include golf, yoga, aerobics, tennis and Muay Thai lessons.
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Carnival Horizon to debut with European & Caribbean voyages FOR THE inaugural season of its newest ship, Carnival Horizon, debuting in April 2018, Carnival Cruise Line has assembled a range of diverse itineraries featuring destinations throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Carnival Horizon will offer many of the hugely popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment and activity options that debuted on Carnival Vista, currently the line’s newest ship. Among those is a bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction called SkyRide, an IMAX Theatre, a WaterWorks aqua park and a microbrewery where several kinds of beer will be brewed on board. A wide range of accommodation will also be offered, including spa cabins adjacent to the Cloud 9 Spa and offering exclusive access and privileges, extra-roomy staterooms in Family Harbor, tropical-inspired Havana staterooms and suites, along with a Cuban-themed bar and pool for the exclusive daytime use of guests in Havana accommodation. The ship is scheduled to make its maiden voyage on April 2, 2018, with a 13-day Mediterranean voyage operating round- trip from Barcelona and calling at ports in Italy, Croatia; Greece and Malta. The ship will also operate two seven-day cruises departing April 15 and 22, 2018, followed by a repositioning to the US with a 14-day transatlantic crossing departing Barcelona on May 9 and arriving in New York on May 23, 2018. Five European and Canadian ports will be featured: Malaga, Spain; Gibraltar; Lisbon, Portugal; and Vigo, Spain – the line's first visit to the centuries-old seaside town – along with a stop at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. After arriving in New York, Carnival Horizon will offer a summer schedule of eight-day Caribbean cruises operating round-trip from the Big Apple and featuring visits to Grand Turk; San Juan; and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). The ship will then shift to Miami and kick off a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from September 22, 2018.
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newsbulletin NEWS BITES
G LA MANGA CLUB’S place at the head of Spanish golf has been cemented after being named as the country’s best golf resort for the sixth year in a row at the 2017 Today’s Golfer Travel Awards. G THE ONTARIO TOURISM Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) has launched a large-scale digital consumer campaign for the UK Notes from market, which runs until March 31, Entitled ‘Where Am I?’, the campaign is designed to build intrigue and challenge the public’s perceptions, showcasing Ontario’s icons, as well as its lesser known attractions. Normanton... G FINNAIR IS extending its network in the UK with new codeshare services on Flybe flights between the UK and several key European cities. Finnair’s codes will be added to the following Flybe services when a Finnair flight is also included in the booking: Birmingham, as reading that the Foreign & Commonwealth Cardiff, Doncaster-Sheffield and Southampton to Paris CDG; Office no longer advise against travel to The Birmingham, Doncaster-Sheffield and Southampton to Amsterdam; W Gambia. The situation has stabilised and they don’t Birmingham and Southampton to Dusseldorf; and Birmingham to think the military will be intervening, so it’s good news. I do Berlin Tegel. hope travel agents start pushing it again and encourage G JET2.COM and Jet2holidays are set to purchase a further four new people to go. It has been quite a long time since I last visited, Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. The companies acquired a total of 34 new but it’s a lovely country with guaranteed sunshine. These aircraft from Boeing last year and eight were delivered in 2016. The countries need tourism and all the help they can get. additional four will be delivered between August 2018 and Everyone seems to be nice and busy which is good and January 2019. encouraging. I can remember when I started work at G HAVEN HAS announced that Rockley Park has been awarded AA Thomson Holidays’ regional office in Leeds way back in Holiday Park of the Year 2017 by the AA Caravan and Camping 1976; come January people used to be queuing out of the Awards 2017. reception door and if you walked up the stairs instead of going up in the lift you were told there was a queue because they thought you were sneaking past! Those were the days. Booked my flights for Uganda and I’m going with Etihad. I’ve never flown with them before so I’m really looking forward to trying them. There is a bit of a wait on the way back in Abu Dhabi, but I was advised to book three hours in the lounge which should help kill some of the time. A big thank you to Dolly at JTA for all her help and advice. It’s always great if someone has already had the experience and can then pass on the benefits. I think this is where we have the advantage over the internet; if we have been to a place • NEW - Win a four-night hotel stay for two with and can tell our customers about it, we paint a positive Sandos Hotels & Resorts picture and that’s far better than just reading about it on the internet. I have even treated myself to a new camera - a Panasonic Lumix TZ60. It has a great zoom lens - those • Five-night B&B stay in Greece or Cyprus to be chimpanzees had better look out! WON with BookYourWeddingDay.com The Yorkshire Masquerade Ball is going well. It’s on Thursday July 13 at the same place, The Village Hotel on junc 28 M62 and this will be the 20th year...where has the • Win a 32gb iPad Mini 2 courtesy of Novasol time gone? ‘Time is precious, make sure you spend it with the right • Win Antler Luggage with the launch of people’ and ‘Life is what happens to you while you’re busy Scandinavia Only making other plans’.
Visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ for details on the above websclusives.
by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire
To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email [email protected]
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agentbulletin Booking incentives
G If Only…is giving agents the chance to win a trip for two on one of India’s most luxurious trains AGENT TRAINING from Mumbai to Delhi - Deccan Odyssey. Agents booking holidays to the operator’s destinations THE DIAMOND Holidays Group in India between now and June 17 could win seven has launched a competition aimed nights’ accommodation in a deluxe cabin, most at encouraging agents to complete meals and excursions to some of the sub- the group’s new training modules continent’s most famous sights including the Taj with OTT. Agents completing any Mahal, the floating palaces at Udaipur, the blue of the available training modules city at Jodhpur and tiger spotting in Rathambore. The trip for two commences on October 13 and before February 6 will bookings that include Deccan Odyssey receive automatically be entered into a double entry. Details at agents.ifonly.net prize draw to win a bottle of Champagne and a box of Hotel G Funway Holidays, in conjunction with BA and Hard Chocolat treats. To register for Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, has got tickets access to the course call 0844-544 up for grabs for agents to see Justin Bieber 7581 or email perform live at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino [email protected] Punta Cana in Dominican Republic with a friend on April 15. The offer includes flights, seven nights' all-inclusive accommodation and concert tickets. For a chance to win, agents should make a booking that includes a stay at any hotel in the Hard Rock Hotel All-Inclusive product collection by February 13.
G Agents who book a package holiday with Gold Medal by February 26 will be entered into a weekly prize draw with the chance to win a holiday of their choice. Each of the eight holidays is worth up to £2,500 and 15 agents will also have the chance to win a place on the company's June VIP fam trip to Queensland, Australia with Tourism and Events Queensland and Qantas. Meanwhile, agents who book a PURE LUXURY trip by February 28 will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win their own twin-centre holiday worth £10,000.
G Osprey Holidays and Icelandair are giving one agent the chance to win the Ultimate Icelandic Experience - a two-night stay in Reykjavik with flights, transfers, entrance to the Blue Lagoon and a Northern Lights Tour or South Shore or a Golden Circle Tour. To enter, agents should book MELANIE MEETS MELIA...Late last year Melia with the operator by the end of February and Hotels International teamed up with Travel Bulletin to email 'WIN' with the booking reference number to promote a booking incentive for agents. Pictured is the [email protected] winner, Melanie Kay Johnson from Travel Counsellors, who won a two-night stay at the Melia Hotel in Bilbao. G UNNA Luxury Resorts and Residences in Barbados has launched a new agent incentive for bookings at its two luxury resorts on the north west coast of Barbados. Agents will receive a £30 Amazon voucher for each holiday of seven nights or more booked from now until March 31 for travel until December 20 at either Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences, or sister resort Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort and Residences in Barbados. To claim the voucher, agents should email [email protected] or call 020-8679 2508.
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newsbulletin Virgin Trains completes £40million fleet refurbishment programme VIRGIN TRAINS has announced the completion of its fleet refurbishment programme, which has seen a £40million investment by the company in its current fleet of 45 High Speed and InterCity 225 trains to improve the customer experience. The programme is part of the rail operator’s £140million pledge to create a more personalised travel experience on the east coast network. All Virgin Trains on the east coast route have been refurbished, with £21million spent on new interiors. The new-look interiors include luxurious leather seats and mood lighting in First Class and stunning red cloth seats in Standard, providing a new lease of life to the trains and extra comfort for customers. A total of 410 carriage interiors have been revamped and 24,427 seats replaced. The completed refurbishment arrives ahead of the launch in 2018 of the company's new Azuma fleet. Set to be amongst the most advanced trains in the UK, the Virgin Azuma illustrates Virgin Trains’ continued pledge to enhance and transform the customer experience. The company's east coast MD, David Horne, said: “Since we launched services on the east coast mainline in 2015 we have committed more than £40million to improving our existing fleet, to give customers the best possible experience when they travel with us. It gives me great pleasure to announce that we have completed our refurbishment programme and passed another milestone on our journey towards totally transforming travel for our customers on the east coast.”
Luxury Lakes & Mountains debut from Classic Collection Holidays CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has revolving Schilthorn restaurant famed by there are introduced a luxury Lakes and Bond’s On her Majesty’s Secret Service, numerous Mountains programme which is plus walks down from Kleine Scheidegg holiday ideas showcased in a 140-page brochure and to Grindelwald or Wengen. including ‘A Tale includes a variety of resorts in Austria, A family section is also featured and of Two Lakes’ Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. child-friendly hotels are highlighted which includes All resorts offer luxury four- and five-star throughout the brochure. In Switzerland, stays at Lakes hotels plus, in Switzerland, there are children aged up to (and including) 15 Lucerne and three seven-day itineraries featuring years old can travel free when travelling Lugano with a famous rail journeys: the Gotthard with parents with the relevant travel transfer on the Panorama Express (formerly William Tell cards. There are also a variety of outdoor Gotthard Express), Golden Pass and Glacier activities with emphasis on walking and Panorama Express in between. Prices Express; the latter often referred to as hiking, plus cycling and mountain biking, lead in at £814 per person for seven the world’s slowest express train. with a selection of alpine resorts offering nights in Gutshof Zillertal in Mayrhofen, A selection of sightseeing and activity complimentary guided hikes and free Austria, based on two adults sharing a ideas are also available in every resort cycling maps. romantic classic mountain view room and many hotels feature a ‘We highly The operator's breaks are individually with balcony. The price includes private recommend’ section promoting must-do tailor-made so multi-centre trips are transfers and flights from Gatwick outings including cable car rides to the easy to book and within the brochure to Innsbruck.
New solar eclipse option from Funway FUNWAY IS hoping to make the most of the solar eclipse due this year in the US with the launch of a new programme. The Solar Eclipse Tour programme is currently on sale and offers various tour options centered around the total eclipse of the sun on August 21. Prices lead in at £1,399 per person and include flights with Delta Airlines, transfers and 11 nights' hotel accommodation plus car hire with Alamo. Travel is based on an August 16 departure for a family of four (two adults and two kids), and the tour starts in San Francisco and journeys through Yosemite, Sequoia National Park and Monterey. For further information see funway4agents.co.uk
OFF TO LA LA LAND...Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board Finnair to fly direct to Lapland (LATCB) and sponsor Air New Zealand recently hosted a private FINNAIR HAS announced that it will start flying non-stop from screening of La La Land at The Soho Hotel, to celebrate the release of the modern musical. In attendance were key Los Angeles Tourism & the UK to Finnish Lapland. The new direct service will link Convention Board partners, as well as trade including Trailfinders, Gatwick and Ivalo twice a week from mid-December until the Quintessentially Travel and Discover North America. LATCB has end of March 2018. teamed up with Lionsgate films to create a new guide to the city to The airline will fly twice-weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, offer visitors the chance to experience Los Angeles as its appears on screen. The guide can be found at discoverlosangeles.com/lalaland. with flights operated by Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Pictured at the event are, from the left: Isobel Bannister from STA The new flights are available for sale at finnair.com Travel with Katrin Rummer and Ben Kelly from Wexas.
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puzzlebulletin Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in thetravel bulletinSu Doku prize puzzle Where Am I?
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C «
D «
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9. Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: [email protected] Closing date for entries is Thursday, February 9th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. Sitting atop Mount Muk Yue on a lotus throne, this large bronze statue The winner for 20th January is Maisie Edwards, Althams was completed in 1993 and is informally known as the ‘Big Buddha’. Travel Service in Bolton. Looking north, it symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith. January 20 Solution: A=9 B=1 C=8 D=4
Crossword Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares. Across Down 1. Leading Asia holidays and tours 1. Sir Bradley, planning to take The Jump on specialist (5,2) Channel 4 (7) 4. One of the presenting duo who recently 2. English walled city founded by the ancient collected his OBE (3) Romans (4) 6. This scenic peninsula starts at Mumbles (5) 3. Airline with a Chicago HQ (6) 8. Popular Corfu resort (5) 4. New addition to the Thomson Cruises fleet, 9. Hotel brand, part of Accor (4) TUI ___ (9) 10. Nevada gambling city (4) 5. Cairns International airport code (3) 13. Maritime marker, sounds masculine (4) 7. Premier Inn is part of this hospitality 14. South American country (4) company (9) 16. River on the Scottish border (5) 11. Latitude 0 degrees (7) 17. North African country (5) 12. Ferry company operating to the Channel Isles 18. Cross-Solent operator, ___ Funnel (3) and France (6) 19. Symbol representing the 2017 Chinese New 15. Currency of the Philippines (4) Year (7) 16. Somerset landmark, Glastonbury ___ (3)
For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I?
Number: 005 Number: Please see page 32
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celebrationbulletin As we mark Travel Bulletin's amazing 2,000th issue, we take a look back at travel predictions made by leading industry figures within our 1,000th issue published in 1996. Plus see if you can complete our special themed quiz for a chance to win 2,000 pennies' worth of High Street shopping vouchers. We’re also giving away a £20 Amazon voucher for the best travel prediction for the year 2037!
Travel Bulletin through the years... Predictions from 1996
"By 2017 we will have different distribution methods such as home shopping, PC-based ordering and
“purchasing and there will be electronic brochures. The consumer will research via CD-Rom and the Web.
There will be a decline in pure beach holidays, a demand for quality at hotels, for entertainment, for interesting and creative cuisine, for excursions and “ sightseeing that are more in-depth and more professional." 33RD ISSUE 1,000TH ISSUE 1,500TH ISSUE (ABTA president, Colin Trigger) HAVE YOUR SAY! "Some 20 years ago, sophisticated calculators were a What are your travel big deal. Now they are built into watches. So in 21 years'“ time will holidaymakers be booking travel from predictions for our 3,000th a wrist monitor? Clearly, buying travel off a screen has issue? (taking us to the a future...the trend to move information to the customer will have inexorably continued if current year 2037)
trends from travel principals are anything to go by. So we will definitely see all sorts of travel being sold via a
PC connected to the Internet and/or a private secure Email:lauretta.wright@ network or interactive TV. This will allow virtual reality “ travelbulletin.co.uk visits to a country or resort showing what you can do, buy, visit or eat." If your prediction is published (Ian Champness, FSS group managing director) you’ll win a £20 Amazon Voucher!
Test your knowledge in our “2,000” Quiz 1) Which film won best picture Oscar in the year 2,000? ...... 2) France beat Italy in the Euro 2000 tournament, what was the score? ...... 3) Who won the 2,000 US presidential election?...... 4) What was the best selling single in the UK charts in 2,000? ...... 5) Who was the winner of the first Big Brother series launched in 2,000? ...... 6) Which European country declined to join the European Community in 2,000? ...... 7) Which popular music show televised its 2,000th edition in 2002? ...... 8) In 1975, the year of our very first issue of Travel Bulletin, which comedy series appeared on TV for the first time starring John Cleese? ...... 9) Bill Gates created which company in 1975? ...... 10) What is 2,000 in Roman Numerals? ...... Email your answers, including your name and company name, to [email protected] or post it to 2,000 Quiz Competition, Travel Bulletin, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX by Friday February 17 Five correct entries will be selected at random to win shopping vouchers worth 2,000 pence each!
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eventbulletin The sky’s the limit as Travel Bulletin hosted its Headline Photography Sponsor Headline Programme Sponsor first showcase of the year in Chester. Taking off with a huge array of flight options to some of the most desirable destinations of 2017, agents at our Airline Showcase got the chance to speak directly with airlines, airports and tourist boards, enjoy some delicious food & fine wine along with #TBSHOWCASES the chance win some amazing prizes!
AIRLINE ACCESS…From the top left, anti-clockwise: David Mayer and Gary Pridmore, PTA; Clare Collins-Doyle, Georgina Airoll and Becs Sonders from Travel Lab; and Christine Jones and Julie Owen of Co-op PTA; learn more about Copa Airlines and GOL Airlines from representative Melissa Sanchez.
TURKISH DELIGHT...Julien-Rachel Alder (left) and Hulya Curtis (right) from Turkish Airways present Cheryl Johnson of Access World Travel with a luxury gift hamper.
OFF TO OMAN…Liz Langan (left) from Oman Air presents lucky winner Phillipa Tracy of Flight Centre Chester with two complementary flights from Manchester to Oman.
GUERNSEY GETAWAY… Nicola Cullen of Sandy Lane Travel wins two SHOPPING SPREE…Christopher Murr and Jane Beeley return flights to Guernsey, gifted by Aurigny Air Services’ Clive Acton. (right) from United Airlines present a £100 Love2Shop voucher to Kim Foat from Freedom Travel Group.
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ISRAEL INTEREST…Samantha Del La Cruz and Malu Montenegro from El Al Israel Airlines present to a table of attentive agents.
HAWAIIAN HOSPITALITY…Malcolm Aldcroft from Hawaiian Airlines presents prize winner Dion Hanmer of Hays Travel Wrexham with a goody bag and two cinema tickets.
LIVERPOOL LEARNING…Ashley Louise Morgan takes to the stage to present the latest news from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
QATAR QUALIFIED…Following the roundtable training sessions, Caroline Houghton (right) from TravelPlaces won a £50 Love2Shop voucher from Qatar Airways’ Jane Hoyes.
TABLE TALK…Matt Walder (centre) from Aegean Airlines chats with, from the left, anti-clockwise: Holly Mallinson, Phillipa Tracy, Sam Neuchterlien and Jessica Ball, all from Flight Centre; and Angela Davis and Nicola Cullen, both of Sandy Lane Travel.
SAN FRAN BOUND…Sue Law (right) of Kouni was pleased to win a two-night stay in a first class hotel for two and a welcome pack from Maria Costa Lobo of San Francisco Travel. Want to get in on the #TBSHOWCASES action? Then why not join in the fun at our Weddings & Honeymoons Showcase in Birmingham on February 20 and Norwich on February 21. Reserve your place by emailing [email protected]
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G HotelIndustry Updates xxxInsightxxx by...
xxx xxx
G EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS xxx xxx
It’s so far – so good-ish says Advantage’s business development director, Colin O’Neill G Theatre News HIS IS my penultimate column prior to my weekends in the build-up to the festive period had to departure from Advantagexxx xxxat the end of next do with flat trading? Tmonth; in future editions you will hear from David Since January, the holiday market has continued to Moon, our head of business development. perform reasonably well, with an emphasis on the However, while is it still me I would like to focus my word ‘reasonably’ with a small overall market growth, attention this month on the performance of the market but at least things are stable and sales perform steady. over the last month or so. I do think that access to a number of low deposit If I look back over my columns in 2016, an schemes and price match options has been a welcome unfortunate yet recurrent theme can be summarised tool to agents, as they are able to use them to gain as ‘Disruption’, as one major catastrophe after another consumer commitment to booking a holiday which they seems to have smashed into the confidence of the will be able to finally commit to at a later stage. At G CRUISEconsumer whichNEWS ultimately impacted on sales. least it is business in the bag and a way of closing the xxx xxxHowever, I am pleased to report that since last sale and converting all of the searching energy and November the word ‘Disruption’ has been replaced by effort into some return. the word ‘Stability’ as the world has been, in relative It is fair to say that we won’t really be able to terms, a quieter place. Certainly, Brexit thunder and properly assess the overall performance of the 2017 lightning continues to rumble in the background but peaks period for another few weeks, but let’s draw hasn’t mustered up enoughxxx strengthxxx to rain on the some comfort from the current position and hope that holiday parade as the economy remains strong. we remain disruptors free for a long period to come. Even the unfolding events that are taking place Finally, a brief word on our annual conference across the other side of the Atlantic aren’t really having which takes place in Provence this May. Having much of an effect at the moment, and from a UK previously announced Sir Chris Hoy as our first consumer perspective, it remainsxxx xxx a spectator sport. keynote speaker, we have just released details on Ironically, sales to the US are quite strong, particularly our second keynote, Jason Bradbury, host of New York which is proving a very popular destination. Channel 5 television programme, The Gadget Show. The positive sales trend began in December and the With a theme of MAN & MACHINE, Jason is a very month performed well in both the summer and winter fitting edition to the conference programme and he markets; historically, December is often written off as will be showcasing the technology of the future a holiday bookings month, with business attention which is available today and with a few surprises up being focused on getting businesses and campaigns his sleeve. ready for the turn of year peaks campaign. Instead, it In closing, I look forward to speaking to you again was other sectors of the retail market that were next month in what will be my final Travel Bulletin reporting of disappointing Christmas sales, particularly column; there will be quite a lot to reflect upon in my in the period immediately after Christmas. I wonder last 16 years within the independent sector, I hope how much the seemingly endless Black Friday that I am able to distil it all into one single column.
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hotelbulletin Debut European campaign from InterContinental Hotels & Resorts INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS & Resorts has launched a new digital hub bringing to life real stories from characters around the world. Stories of the InterContinental Life marks a shift in approach for the luxury hotel brand whose “intercontinental life” is conveyed through evocative stories provoking intrigue around some of its iconic European properties. The digital media strategy driving the campaign highlights an emphasis on creating relatable and inspiring content that makes an emotional connection with its audience - driving consumer preference and engagement, over traditionally sought-after click -throughs. Featuring videos, a podcast series and dynamic illustrations - brought to life by local protagonists - each story episode explores a value close to the brand’s heart. Among this group of leading protagonists is a group of women shaping the future of luxury: the first female tailor to open a boutique on Savile Row, Kathryn Sargent; Head of Bordeaux’s Chateau Angelus, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal and Chef Martha Ortiz, who is soon to bring her celebrated Mexican gastronomy to InterContinental London - Park Lane. Tom Rowntree, the company's vice president luxury & boutique brands, said: The way people interact with luxury brands continues to evolve. Our communications reflect the need for inspiring, relatable content that captures the imagination, and mirror the values that our guests experience in our hotels, as well as in our commitment to delivering enriching, personal experiences.” To view the videos, podcasts and illustrations visit intercontinental.com/life
Hilton unveils audio guides to tell hidden story of five landmark hotels HILTON WORLDWIDE has launched a South Bank and a first of its kind, series of podcasts that tell the hidden design focused concept in Reykjavik. story behind the aesthetics of five of Over the past five years, the hotel its landmark European hotels. brand has expanded its dedicated The audio guides have been team of experts focused on the produced to inspire visitors and guests architecture and design of each to take note of the architecture and property. Gordon Coles, the company’s interiors that surround them during senior vice president for architecture, their stay. design and construction, EMEA, said: misconception by revealing the hidden The hotels selected for the podcast “Whilst our hotel guests are excited to stories of five very special European project have been hand-picked by the explore a city’s architecture or its hotels. Each podcast tells a very hotelier’s in-house architecture and design hotspots during their visit, the different tale reflecting the diversity of design team and include iconic hotel itself can be overlooked – it is our projects, but we hope listeners will restoration projects in Paris and sometimes seen as just a place to lay be inspired to take a closer look at Hamburg, a refurbishment inspired by your head or enjoy a nice meal after a their hotel after learning a little bit a little known corner of Dublin, a long day of sightseeing or business more about its history and hearing one London conversion on the city’s artistic meetings. We want to challenge this or two secrets.”
G Travelodge has entered into an agreement with Tai Hung Fai Group to open the Travelodge Kowloon Hotel in Hong Kong. Located just off the popular Nathan Road in the Jordan district of Kowloon, the 126-room hotel currently known as Hotel Rainbow will undergo refurbishment and be rebranded as Travelodge Kowloon from February.
G Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives has launched PADI freediving classes at its on-site dive centre, Meridis Dive and Relax.
G Barceló Hotel Groups’ newest five-star property, Barceló Torre de Madrid, has opened its doors in Madrid. The hotel features 256 guestrooms and is situated in the Plaza de España, in the capital’s popular theatre district and overlooking Gran Via. Double rooms start from 360 euros a night based on two sharing a deluxe room. See barcelo.com
G Alila Hotels and Resorts has launched its own dedicated GDS chain code ‘LF’, replacing the previous 'DH' code.
G The Eden Hotel Collection, a privately-owned portfolio of nine MARITIM HAS renovated 3,000 rooms across its Königswinter, properties in the UK, has announced the launch of a new Elan Spa Ulm, Munich, Stuttgart, Darmstadt, Hannover, Bad Homburg, at Mallory Court Hotel in Warwickshire in April 2017 – the first new Cologne and Würzburg properties, representing a 25% room upgrade across its German portfolio. Details at maritim.com spa to open in the county for more than ten years.
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Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017 officially opens DENMARK'S SECOND- largest city, Aarhus, is ready to provide a year of art, culture and innovative development as the European Capital of Secret hideaway in Swedish Lapland with Scandinavia Only Culture 2017. With the theme of 'Let's FOR CLIENTS seeking a truly authentic arctic experience, Scandinavia Only has introduced Rethink' and under the all- a new ‘Snowmobiling And Aurora Hideaway’ tour from this winter. encompassing title of Based in the heart of Swedish Lapland, guests will discover the frozen archipelago by Aarhus 2017, the city is set snowmobile on an overnight pack ice base camp tour. They will journey over the ice to a to enthral visitors to a wilderness lodge on the historic island of Brandöskar, given to the fishermen of Brandön background of reinvented in 1745 by the Queen of Sweden. With the opportunity to relax at this remote basecamp, it metropolitan areas and an is an ideal location to take in the Northern Lights. extensive calendar of Breakfasts is served at the camp and guests continue their snowmobile exploration of thought-provoking artistic the Luleå archipelago before winding their way back to Brandön Lodge where the rest of and cultural events. the afternoon is spent at leisure. The city will rethink art, That evening, starting with a transfer via snowmobile, guests are transferred from the music and food on a grand lodge to the remote location of their very own ‘aurora hideaway’. The location for the scale, adding to its appeal mobile restaurant – a small cosy hut - will have been chosen earlier depending on wind, as a city break destination, weather and ice conditions when the special hideaway was transported by snowcat. Guests and will also play host to a will be treated to a three-course meal by their own chef who will cook on an open fire cast of international and outside the hideaway whilst inside the hut, a roaring fire, candles and tea lights make for a Danish artists throughout memorable atmosphere. the year, including four Prices for the three-night break start at £1,950 per person including flights from 'mega' highlights, 13 'full Heathrow via Stockholm, guided transfers, two nights at Brandön Lodge, overnight moon' experiences and snowmobile pack ice experience, most meals and a special dinner at the aurora hideaway. more than 350 This price is based on two sharing and departures are daily until March 31. featured events. For more information see scandinaviaonly.co.uk Commenting on the programme, Visit Denmark’s managing Insight Vacations explores the Country Roads of Scandinavia director, Rebecca TAKING AN off-the-beaten track route of Alternatively, ‘Scandinavian Heritage’ is a Matthews, said: “Aarhus discovery, Insight Vacations has created a 12- new ‘Premium’ itinerary that links the new 2017 is going to be a day ‘Country Roads of Southern Scandinavia’ ‘Country Roads of Southern Scandinavia’ creative tour de force with for guests to explore Scandinavia’s southern itinerary with the existing ‘Grand Tour of new works, special mountains, fjords, rivers and vibrant cities. Scandinavia’ trip to form a 29-day adventure commissions, premieres, Starting in Oslo and finishing in through Denmark, Sweden, Finland major events and festivals. Copenhagen, highlights of the trip include a and Norway. The quality and diversity of visit to the market stalls of Bergen with a local Guests will visit the house in Odense where the programme we have expert, an island-hopping cruise through Hans Christian Andersen was born, witness a assembled means there is Norway’s West Coast fjords - from Bergen to working husky farm in action in Alta and enjoy truly something for Stavanger, and two nights in Aarhus, Europe’s Champagne and caviar at the Northern Cape, everyone, whether you're Capital of Culture for 2017. Prices start from the northernmost point in Europe. Prices start from Aarhus, Denmark or £2,750 per person excluding flights. from £5,533 excluding flights. visiting from elsewhere.”
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scandinavia Scandinavian Travel urges early booking to avoid disappointment FOLLOWING A record breaking season for Scandinavian Travel, the operator has reported that excursions for the Easter holidays were sold out by Christmas and, although it was able to secure exclusive additional availability for the spring holidays, agents should urge their clients to book early to avoid disappointment for winter 2017/18. The operator suggests that thanks to unreliable snow conditions peppering the Alps over the last few years, people are now seeking alternative ski destinations, making Scandinavia a ski destination to watch for UK travellers. Moreover, it’s not just guaranteed snow that has people heading to resorts such as Trysil and Are - the two largest ski resorts in Scandinavia – the destination’s ski schools are renowned for their service and school holiday periods sell out quickly. As a time scale, families might consider booking as early as six to 12 months in advance for the most popular accommodation options. skiNorway is offering seven nights at half-term for £966 per person based on a family of four sharing a two-bedroom apartment on a self-catered basis, including flights from the UK and resort transfers. See ski-norway.co.uk for more information or call 020-7199 6010.
SuperBreak expands Iceland product to feature South Coast SUPERBREAK HAS expanded its product spread across a 5,000 year-old lava field. infamous Eyjafjallajökull which last offering in Iceland with the introduction Throughout the year, pillars of steam erupted in March 2010 and Hekla, one of of two regions on the south coast. from the numerous hot springs in the Iceland’s most active volcanoes. The move comes on the back of what town can be seen rising up from the This area of the Icelandic South Coast is reported to be a successful year for ground. A new hot spring area broke is devoid of any significant light pollution the operator’s Reykjavik product, which through the ground in the earthquake and is therefore considered one of the currently stands as one of its top selling that shook Iceland’s southern part in best places to see the Northern Lights overseas destinations. 2008, and is situated in the hillside above as they can be viewed directly from a The expanded offering provides agents the town. The area will also appeal to hotel room or from the hot tub. Even on with something different to sell to those who enjoy hiking with various trails nights where the Aurora doesn’t make customers who want to explore more of to be enjoyed, both within the town and an appearance, the sky can be bright the island or combine two regions on a at the foot of the Reykjafjall and with millions of stars visible to the short break. The new regions can be Hamar Mountains. naked eye. reached by Flybus from Reykjavik bus Prices in April start from £405 per Prices in April are from £494 per terminal and the operator also sells person for three nights’ breakfast stay at person for three nights at the three-star these tickets. the three-star Eldhestar Hotel with Stracta Hotel Hella with breakfast, In the Land of the Hot Springs and flights from Stansted and flights from Gatwick and located 45km from Reykjavik, Hveragerði Flybus transfers. Flybus transfers. offers visitors an Icelandic experience in Meanwhile, ‘In the shadow of the Visit superbreak.com/agents for more an area of outstanding natural beauty Volcanoes’ is focused around the information.
Simply Sweden adds winter adventures UNCOVERING THE past of the Arctic's frozen wastes, experiencing the Swedish backwoods and a cabin fit for a Viking are some of the highlights in three new winter breaks from Simply Sweden. Guests can discover how a scorching desert turned into an Arctic wilderness on a new ‘Svalbard Archipelago’ itinerary. The five-night adventure includes the chance to uncover Svalbard's natural history with the help of a geologist, as well as snowmobile safaris, mountain hikes and husky driving. Guests stay at Svalbard Hotel in Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, and the tour is available until May from £1,395 per person based on two sharing. It includes flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation. The silent snowy forests of Ockelbo, home to lynx and wolf, are the setting for ‘Escape – Swedish Style’. Guests stay at Stilleben and activities include skiing, snowshoeing, ice-fishing and riding Icelandic horses. Available until mid-March, prices are from £1,050 per person based on two sharing, including RAILTRAIL TOURS has launched a ‘Norway’s Majestic Fjords & Steam’ flights, train transfers or car hire, plus full-board. tour. The 18-day fully escorted holiday, departing from London St. Meanwhile, a new Viking Cabin, decorated with Sami arts Pancras, includes the Flåm Railway and the coast to coast Bergen and crafts, has opened at a small complex of traditional Railway across the roof of Norway. It also visits Oslo and Bergen, soaring up the Fløibanen funicular and cruises the majestic fjords lodgings at Kangos. Available until March, the company is through idyllic nature, climbing Mount Hoven by cable car and visits offering a three-night stay from £1,890 per person, based on three heritage railways. With two Sunday departures on June 25 and two sharing on full board, including flights and transfers. August 6, prices lead in at £3,695 per person including all excursions For more information visit simplysweden.co.uk or call 01427- and half-board accommodation. Visit railtrail.co.uk 700115.
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Discover the Arctic Circle with Diamond Rail Holidays DIAMOND RAIL Holidays British overnight has launched a new trip stays increase in this year to Swedish Lapland, which includes a Denmark journey on the Arctic THE LURE of world-class Circle Railway. gastronomy, liveable cities Travelling from the and cutting-edge design has Norwegian town of Narvik seen UK visitor numbers to Kiruna, the continue to climb, with northernmost town in overnight stays up 18.3% Sweden, the Arctic Circle during the first six months of Railway travels through 2016, according to a report snow-capped mountains, released by the Danish deep ravines and Statistical Office. wintery forests. The marked increase The trip also includes a comes on the back of a number of unique Arctic gradual climb in British experiences, such as visitor numbers that has driving a team of huskies, seen more than a 50% seeing bears and wolves in increase since 2009. the Polar Park wildlife New flights with Ryanair centre and enjoying a to Copenhagen from traditional Sami feast in a lavvu tent. Stansted are to make the Prices for the six-day ‘Lapland & Arctic Circle Railway’ trip lead in at £1,399 per person Danish capital even more departing on March 19, based on two sharing and a mixed-board basis. It includes flights accessible. The new three from Gatwick, accommodation throughout, transfers, excursions and the services of a times daily, year-round tour manager. service will commence on For more information visit diamondrailholidays.co.uk or call 0844-544 7581. March 26, with one-way fares starting from £9.99. Join Saga & quaff ale on the trail of the Vikings With a flight time of two hours, the destination JOMFRU ANE Gade in Aalborg, Denmark is a street dedicated entirely to pubs, bars, lends itself to a popular restaurants and nightclubs and, during Saga’s ‘On the Trail of the Vikings’ cruise, guests option for a long weekend can join a new guided pub walk to discover the town from a beer lover’s perspective. break. The airline also At each of the popular pubs guests can learn about and taste speciality beers as they operates daily flights from stroll with a local guide to see places of interest in the Old Town. Luton to Copenhagen and The next port of call is AArhus, in the centre of Denmark. There will be the option to take from Stansted to Aarhus a tour of the city, with an included visit to the Old Town’s open air museum or a tour of the and Billund. town of Silkeborg. Sustainable food culture Hans Christian Andersen was born in Copenhagen and Saga Sapphire’s port of call will play a big part of features many reminders of the city’s fairytale heritage, such as the Gefion Fountain and ‘Rethinking Good Food’ as Amalienborg Palace. Aarhus and Central The ship also calls into Oslo, Norway. The 712-passenger ship then sails back to Denmark become a Denmark calling at the picturesque town of Skagen. European Region of Ten nights cost from £2,012 departing from Dover on April 18 based on two sharing the Gastronomy for 2017. lowest available inside cabin, including all meals and entertainment. For details visit saga.co.uk/cruises
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Live It Up Extende d! Book by 28th February
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Olympic Holidays revels in Rhodes OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is offering seven nights at the THE REGNUM Carya Golf and Spa Resort in Antalya, Turkey is an all-inclusive resort offering 1,200 three-star Solemar Hotel rooms and villas ideal for family getaways. When they're not taking advantage of the gardens, guests in Rhodes, Ixia from £609 can make a splash in one of four pools, laze on 200m of sandy beach or enjoy a selection of all- per person based on two inclusive dining options, with the main restaurant serving all-day open buffet style dining and four a la travelling, representing carte menu options. Children can enjoy access to the kids’ club as well as a 2,500sq.m waterpark. For a saving of up to £138 details visit regnumhotels.com/en per person. With a deal during the Elite Island Resorts adds adult-only Antigua resort school holidays, the property offers value for THE PINEAPPLE BEACH Club in Antigua is the newest addition to Elite Island Resorts' portfolio. money and an alternative Re-launching last autumn, the adult-only resort is placed in an ideal location overlooking option for families. Long Beach Bay, known as one of the best beaches in Antigua, and with its laid-back The package includes atmosphere is a popular option for honeymooners and couples looking to get away from it all. seven nights’ all-inclusive Its all-inclusive offering includes non-motorised watersports, four restaurants with a variety stay in a twin room with an of dining options, from Caribbean to Italian, along with a gym and a spa with a full menu inland view, plus flights of treatments. from Gatwick on August 16. Kuoni is offering seven nights at the resort from £1,349 per person based on two travelling, To benefit from the special representing a saving of up to £1,445 per couple. offer, bookings must be The price includes seven nights' all-inclusive stay in a garden view room, complimentary 25% made by February 28. off in-house expenditure and flights from London. For more details call 020- Departures are available on selected dates in May and June and the package must be 8492 6868 or visit booked by March 1. olympicholidays.com For bookings and more information call 0800-540 4762 or visit kuoni.co.uk
Year of the Rooster throws spotlight on Great Wall of China AS THE CHINESE New Year turns to the Year of the Rooster, new research from Wendy Wu Tours has revealed that while 90% of British holidaymakers have never been to the Great Wall of China, visiting a World Heritage Site or one of the new Modern Wonders of the World is at the top of a bucket list for 60%. The operator is anticipating further growth in The Great Wall, as this year is the 30-year anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Feng Jing, the chief of Asia and the Pacific Unit at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, said: “There is no better time than now to see the Great Wall, especially since the UN has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The Great Wall is a perfect example of architecture integrated into the landscape and was one of the greatest defence systems on earth.” Laurence Hicks, managing director for the holiday operator, said: “Seeing The Great Wall is a magnificent spectacle and a life experience not to be missed. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the attraction on the majority of our tours, plus on our new active Discovery Tours they will access more remote sections to bring out their inner adventurer.” The operator has created an immersive, fully-inclusive, ten-day ‘Chinese New Year’ tour from £2,790 per person. It includes visits to the Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui Chinese New Year Parade, the Victoria Harbour New Year’s firework display and Longqing Ice and Snow Festival, as well as visiting major sites including The Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and Tiananmen Square.
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Neilson launches summer 2017 programme with new all-inclusive destinations NEILSON HAS announced a series of including flights, transfers and most mountain biking, there are a range of additions to its 2017 summer activities. flat routes for beginners as well as beachclub programme including new Buca Beachclub in Greece is also more challenging technical climbs. all-inclusive properties for this year. new for this summer and is exclusively Seven-night stays start from £655. The new Alana Beachclub in for adults. David Taylor, the company’s Paklenica, Croatia can be found Featuring 53 rooms and a new a la managing director, said: “Our 2017 between the sea and the peaks of carte club board service, the property programme contains some exciting Paklenica National Park and will open offers a minimalist boutique feel and new developments so we can continue this summer. is adjacent to the already popular to offer our guests the best possible The 164-room beachclub has a Messini Beachclub, so guests can take options for their holidays. We are range of land and water activities that advantage of a plethora of inclusive delighted to be featuring two new guests would expect through the activities. Prices lead in at £739 for beachclubs in Sardinia and Croatia brand, including sailing, windsurfing, seven nights. and these stunning destinations will tennis, mountain biking, stand-up Set amongst pine trees and nestled complement existing favourites across paddle boarding, waterskiing, behind a turquoise bay, the 156-room Greece and Turkey. wakeboarding and more. It also has Baia del Mori Beachclub is situated in “In response to customer demand, the added bonus of a spa, roof-top a new destination for the company - the addition of a dedicated adult-only cocktail bar and a restaurant with an on the north-east coast of Sardinia, to club in Greece is a first for us and for alfresco terrace serving meals and the south of the famous Costa our more adventurous guests we are wines from the local vineyard. Smeralda. introducing kite surfing and rock- Seven-night prices lead in at £655 Road cycling in the region offers a climbing.” per adult based on two sharing a club mix of sweeping curves and rugged For further information visit twin or double room on club board mountains, while for those preferring neilson.co.uk or call 0333-014 3350.
Great Rail heads into the Alps GREAT RAIL Journeys is offering a ten-day ‘Austrian Alps All- Inclusive’ tour from £1,645 per person, with eight departures scheduled this year between May and September. During the trip customers can discover the majesty of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and enjoy a heritage railway journey through the Ziller Valley. When booking on or before February 28, LOCATED ON a hill in the heart of Valle del Taurito and carefully built to showcase its view over the clients can secure the Atlantic, the Mogan Princess and Beach Club in Playa de Taurito, Gran Canaria is currently being holiday for a deposit of offered on an all-inclusive basis with Monarch. The operator is featuring seven-night stays at the four- £99 per person. star property from £495 per person, based on two adults sharing on a May 4 departure. Guests have Visit greatrail.com or call access to a shuttle bus to Taurito Beach and, as an added bonus, can use their all-inclusive wristbands between midday and 15:00 to enjoy cold snacks and salads in the Beach Club. Visit 0800-240 4470 for monarchagents.co.uk for details. information.
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New all-inclusive option in Jamaica from Funway OPENING THIS month, Funway Holidays is promoting the all-inclusive, adult-only Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa in Jamaica. Malcolm Davies, product destination manager for the operator, said: “Surrounded by Montego Bay’s mountains and mangroves, Breathless Montego Bay gives guests all the benefits of the Unlimited-Luxury concept where everything from 24-hour room service, to reservation-free gourmet dining, and all the top shelf spirits they could want are included. “There are a whopping seven restaurants within the resort plus a world-class spa, two Breathless Montego Bay pools offering watersport options plus various sports activities including a fitness centre.” Resort & Spa As an example of packages, a seven-night stay leads in at £1,805 per person including flights with Delta Airlines from Heathrow, based on two adults travelling on May 18. Visit funway4agents.co.uk for more details.
ECO EXPERIENCE BEACH EXPERIENCE lifestyle EXPERIENCE
Call Center: MEXICO - ALL INCLUSIVE SPAIN - ALL INCLUSIVE [email protected] Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort – Cancun Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf – Tenerife +44 20 305 137 68 Sandos Caracol Eco Resort – Playa del Carmen Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort – Lanzarote +34 971 783 302 Sandos Playacar Beach Resort – Playa del Carmen Sandos Monaco Beach Hotel & Spa – Benidorm Professional site: Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos – Cabo San Lucas Sandos El Greco Beach Hotel – Ibiza pro.sandos.com
Book one of the All Inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts 10% Sandos.com in Spain or Mexico and earn commission! S06 TB 0302 2017 All Inclusives_Layout 1 01/02/2017 12:36 Page 26
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luxury
The winning formula: Tom Higgins, marketing manager at If Only..., reveals how agents can tap into the highly lucrative luxury travel market... F ONLY… has been winning agents and awards for more specialist operator might actually convince an agent to review than 15 years and, based on client demand and product their client’s requirements, usually based on a compelling Iavailability in the regions of the world that we feature, we reason that will impact on the client’s enjoyment of the holiday. quickly came to the conclusion that luxury travel had great Agents can then use this advice how they see fit but should be potential for us. mindful of how it might impact on future enquiries from a There’s been volumes published on the nature of luxury lucrative client. travel, but the bottom line is that those who are willing to Even after confirmation, a good operator will occasionally spend proportionally significant amounts on holidays expect contact the agent with ‘upselling’ opportunities. For example, the highest standards and service and that starts from the our after sales team are currently calling agents whose clients minute that they make an enquiry. are travelling with British Airways. BA’s premium cabin sale According to a 2016 report by Boston Consulting Group, means that some clients can upgrade to the next cabin (one there are almost a million millionaires in the UK, measured by way or return) for a relatively good price. By offering this, the assets such as cash, shares and pensions but excluding client is reminded that the agent is looking out for them and property, so luxury travel has potential for every agent the agent might earn some extra commission and retain the or homeworker. loyalty of the client. Other subtle ways of upselling after the booking has been The agent advantage made include arranging an upgraded limousine or helicopter Luxury travel is where, in an age of online booking, an agent or transfer, a private dinner in an exotic location or an enhanced homeworker can have the advantage. Even the most ‘meet and greet’ service. sophisticated customer database that profiles by demographic, education, buying patterns and online browsing can’t match a Back to basics conversation or meeting where much might be revealed With luxury travel, all the usual courtesies are even through casual comments, opinions and even body language. more important: Clients might request a resort that is a favourite of fashionistas • Documentation - hard copy or digital should be of a high and celebrities such as One&Only Reethi Rah, when what standard. might be more suitable for their lifestyle is the laid-back, eco- • Arrange a ‘before you go’ and ‘welcome home’ message by friendly luxury of a Six Senses resort. phone, email or post. For clients new to luxury travel, suggesting known brands • Clear guidance on what to do should things go wrong is might also help, as the clients may already have an impression essential. of these; Ritz Carlton, Fairmont and Jumeirah are established This might be stating the obvious, but in a busy agency worldwide, while other renowned luxury brands such as high value clients might get a little lost in the mix. Armani and Versace have moved into the hotel business. However, to benefit from the growth in luxury travel, Savvy agents will develop impressions from the agents need to put in time and effort. Blagging and a casual conversation, recall the client’s previous bookings and gently approach won’t work with high value clients who have tease out more information on the client’s holiday needs and strong ideas, expect a confident response and demand good aspirations. Good agents do this naturally, then summarise service from start to finish. with the client before exploring options with a tour operator. Luxury travel might seem daunting and it’s not for everyone, but remember that there are specialist operators That special touch out there who know the resorts, room locations, aircraft In luxury travel this is where a specialist operator comes in cabin layouts, arrival procedures etc. and who are keen to handy, because tour operators with reservation staff covering help close a sale. Match this with the agent’s own multiple destinations can’t, despite their best efforts, keep on in-depth understanding of their client and you have a top of developments and changes in every destination. A winning formula.
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THE PERFECT HOLIDAY CHOICE
THE STUNNING Daios Cove, nestled in its own private cove with spectacular views over the crystal blue Aegean Sea could not fail to set your pulse racing.
The focus in this beautiful resort is pure tranquillity and a haven for relaxation and luxury. With a combination of rooms, suites, and villas all with or without private pools, there is an option here for everyone. The Deluxe sea view rooms are 50 square metres in size and boast to be the biggest on the island consisting of spacious bedroom with living room in an open plan style, floor to ceiling windows, lavish marbled bathroom with separate bathtub, shower cabin and private balcony. Our Villas (one, two or three bedroom) all have their own private heated pools and private sundeck area and our villa guests can enjoy the exclusive benefits of our residents’ club which includes, 24-hour complimentary room service, 3 A La Carte meals with fine wine and daily re stocked mini bar you will surely be truly indulged. With five top notch eateries, you will not be disappointed if you are lover of fine foods. Our Heston Blumenthal trained chef heads up the Ocean Restaurant where you can taste a variation of meats, fishes, and pastas from across the Mediterranean. Or why not pull up a chair at our Traditional Greek Taverna Restaurant, with live Greek dancing on a weekly basis and a mezze fit for a king all washed down with a shot of the local raki. And if you are looking for something more intimate then private dining can be arranged on our panoramic terrace or on the beach, or you may fancy dinner set up by your own private pool-nothing is too much trouble for the wonderful staff who work here. At the heart of the resort lays our heated infinity pool where you can swim up and enjoy views out to the Ocean and if you are bringing your little one with you there is also a heated kids pool. If you want some peace and quiet then why not book them a session into our UK run Worldwide Kids Club, where they will have an abundance of activities to keep them occupied all while you take a visit to our 2,550 sqm spa. With eight private treatment rooms, a hairdresser, and a nail salon there is something for everyone. Daios Cove proves that you can have it all without taking a foot out of the resort, daily complimentary and yoga sessions head up our list of activities, but there is also a fitness studio, two floodlit tennis courts, and a water sports centre on site where you can enjoy a range of water activities and even take your PADI diving certificate -you reallyxxxx have no reason to leave! If all of this is too much then headxxxx down to the private sandy beach, layout on a freshly For more information on how to made sunbed and request a cool drink from one of our bar staff who will be happy to bring it over to you. book email: And finally, at the end of a long day then curl up with your loved ones in our crystal box bar, sip on one of our signature [email protected] cocktails and listen to the ambient sounds of our live DJ whilst watching the sun go down. With all of this only a 3 hour flight away from the UK, what are you waiting for…...? www.daioscovecrete.com
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Voucher incentive
T with UNNA Luxury With a combination of rooms, Resorts s PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS recently held an evening presentation at the Royal Over-Seas League in Mayfair, London to showcase its Grand South American Journey by Private Jet Tour. Pictured at the event from The Deluxe sea view rooms are 50 UNNA LUXURY Resorts and Residences in the left is: Gary Bartelings and Suzanne Warren from Prestige Holidays; Amanda Gore and Penny s Brown from Godalming Travel with their guest, Richard. For more journey details call 014-2548 0600. Barbados has started the new year with an agents’ Our incentive on holiday European Waterways launches new wine appreciation cruise V bookings at its two luxury EUROPEAN WATERWAYS has announced a new wine appreciation themed charter cruise resorts on the north west on hotel barge Rosa, which cruises the Canal de Garonne coast of Barbados. through Bordeaux in France. Travel agents will Running between August and October, the voyage for receive a £30 Amazon oenophiles through one of the world’s greatest wine- Journey on the Jungfrau With five top notch eateries, you will voucher for each holiday of growing regions offers private tours and tastings at long- Express with Great Rail n Our Heston seven nights or more established wineries producing grand cru and premier cru GREAT RAIL Journeys has B booked by March 31, for wines, such as Château Beau-Sejour-Becot near the town introduced a new ‘Jungfrau travel anytime until of Saint-Emilion, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Express Five-Star All Or why not pull up a chair at December 20, at either Other cruise highlights include a visit to Château de Inclusive’ tour from £2,395 o Port Ferdinand Marina and Malle, a winery set in Italian-style gardens with vineyards per person. Luxury Residences or situated in some of the most sought after wine-growing Louise Heatley, head of And if you are looking for sister resort, Saint Peter’s land in the region. product for the operator, s Bay Luxury Resort Guests will also tour a traditional cooperage to see how said: “Travelling by rail is and Residences. the barrels are made that enhance the great wines of known as the ‘Golden Age of To claim the voucher Bordeaux, as well as visit the ‘Maison des Vins’, a venue Travel’ and for good reason. agents should email featuring exhibitions that recount the wine-making A luxury train holiday is Victoria Cranmer of traditions of the area dating back to the 12th century. unparalleled in the Paradise Promotions at There is also a stop at the Lapeyrade Estate for a cellar relaxation, style and comfort victoria@paradisepromotio tasting of Armagnac, the oldest alcohol in France. it offers. If you want some peace and quiet then why not book ns.co.uk or by calling 020- Prices start from £22,800 based on whole boat charters “We have introduced this t 8679 2508. of eight people, which includes all tours and tastings, the spectacular tour in response For resort details visit services of an expert wine guide, all meals, upgraded to the demand of our With eight portferdinand.com and wines, an open bar and local transfers. customers for ‘bucket list p stpetersbaybarbados.com For full details visit gobarging.com Daios Cove proves that you can holidays’ – once in a life time h holidays for a hugely special Orlando luxury boom for Funway Holidays occasion. We have found that our customers will book a FUNWAY HOLIDAYS recently launched its Studios is also home to a diverse range of luxury holiday to
2017/18 stand-alone Orlando brochure with upscale resorts and hotels sure to satisfy a commemorate a key
an increased range of products in line with taste for luxury.” birthday or anniversary, and If all of this is too much then an increase of sales, particularly luxury As an example, the operator is featuring that sharing this experience h holiday options. seven nights at the five-star Loews with a group makes
The tailor-made US specialist has Portofino Bay Hotel Universal Orlando the occasion even
reported bookings up 30% year-on-year Resort from £1,115 per person including more special.”
in 2016, with Orlando remaining one of its flights based on an April 2 departure. In addition, for bookings
best-selling destinations. Davies said: “Lowes Portfino Bay Hotel is made on or before February
Malcolm Davies, product destination the most expensive and luxurious of 28, customers can secure With all of this only a 3 hour flight manager for the operator, said: “Orlando Universal's resorts, but that's because of its their holiday for a deposit of a is performing really well for us, bigger, more beautiful rooms, gorgeous spa £99 per person. especially demand for luxury holidays and three pools, including two reserved just Visit greatrail.com with more people wanting luxury for less. for adults.” for details. The home of Disney World and Universal Visit funway4agents.co.uk for details.
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A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Tracey Dyson, UK regional sales director for UNICO Riviera Maya, advises how agents can get it right when it comes to meeting client expectations
RECENT RESEARCH has shown that luxury travel is growing be delivered to your sunbed by the pool! slightly faster than overall travel, with the demand from the luxury As well as personalisation being integral to the luxury market remaining constant and resilient despite challenging holidays of the future, another key aspect people are looking economic times. for is simplicity. True luxury is feeling relaxed, slowing down, However, the last few years have seen a change in what people walking barefoot, not having to dress up – a break from the perceive as luxury and what they are looking for in a luxury holiday. high pressured and busy lives we lead at home. Some travellers are still looking for material luxury, whereas At UNICO 20˚87˚ we have developed a barefoot luxury others want a more exclusive experience that provides them with experience. Whilst your unique host and UNICO 20˚87˚ the luxury of real emotional value. Experience App allow you to be served and looked after without lifting a finger - or should I say toe - we also have no A new all-inclusive concept dress code; flexible dining, programming and activities; and a Luxury travel has simply become a lot more subjective and, in ‘no-itinerary-necessary’ attitude and a casual hospitality style. order to capitalise on the new breed of luxury travellers, hotels, We want our guests to experience complete escapism and airlines, operators and agents need to offer luxury customers a enjoy a break in a Mexican home away from home. curated, personal holiday experience that appeals specifically to each and every customer. Creating memories It is with this in mind that we have created the new UNICO Lastly luxury travellers are no longer interested in returning home 20˚87˚ all-inclusive concept where each guest will have an with souvenirs; the elite traveller now places memories of entirely tailor-made stay. From personalised in-room amenities experiences, local culture and encounters over material goods. made from local ingredients and an in-room mini bar stocked for It is this need for immersion in authenticity that is the ethos guest preference, to an aromatherapy and pillow menu and behind UNICO 20˚87˚ which is about fully immersing guests in the unlimited spa treatments of choice all within the all-inclusive local environment – arrive as a tourist, leave as a traveller. This package. property fully showcases its native surroundings - from the local We have also developed private excursions, such as exploring art displayed both in-room and throughout the property that can the region’s lesser known alcoves with native hosts and trips to be purchased by guests, to the food and beverage offerings that our own private ceynote to dining at local tastemakers' preferred foster a sense of regional celebration. restaurants and bars. Each guest is also allocated their own We have an executive mixologist infusing local flavours and unique ‘Host’ for their stay, replacing the traditional butler service ingredients to craft specialty cocktails and an annual rotating chef whilst still allowing all of their individual needs to be met. restaurant concept that has a focus on emerging local talent. All hotel staff embody the brand’s muse, ‘The Proud Local’, and so Technology treats during every moment of their stay, guests feel a genuine love and And while personal service is still key to the success of a emotional investment in the region. We also have culturally luxury stay, the development of technology and apps has come inspired activities which include cooking classes taught by such a long way that the right app can enhance the renowned regional chefs and impromptu pop-up programming personalised experience even further, enabling bespoke from mezcal tastings and cocktail hour in a nearby Mayan village. service whilst at the same time allowing guests more privacy. Luxury travellers are looking for holidays that fit their personal Our guests are introduced to the UNICO 20˚87˚ Experience wants and needs and travel agents are the best matchmakers for App upon arrival. Every touch point and interaction on the app their clients, pairing them with the destinations and hotels that has been crafted and curated with an extraordinary list of they know will best meet their luxury experience expectations. unique features and personalised options - from opening your UNICO 20˚87˚ is opening on May 1, 2017. door to arranging when you want housekeeping to visit your room – or even just to order a dirty martini with two olives to For more information visit UnicoHotelRivieraMaya.com
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Safari add-on option in luxury Kenya from Gold Medal GOLD MEDAL has introduced Crystal AirCruises reveals ‘Holidays Around The World’ journey Kenya as a new destination CRYSTAL AIRCRUISES’ new ‘Holidays Around Crystal AirCruise takes holiday travel to a new which features a safari add- The World’ journey offers 16 days of luxury level, with the opportunity to celebrate the on option, Masai Mara Fly In. exploration of far-off destinations, departing season while discovering several new The company has a range from Los Angeles on December 22. destinations aboard a luxury private jet, with of accommodation options The private jet journey begins with the the added gift of exclusive Christmas and New including the five-star company’s signature ‘Launch Day & Bon Year festivities.” Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Voyage’ dinner and accommodations at the Along the way, guests will be treated to all- which is surrounded on three Montage Beverly Hills, followed by two- and inclusive experiences that reflect the natural sides by the Mara river. three- night stays in Bora Bora, and cultural allures of each destination. There are 50 tents at the Queenstown/Christchurch, Sydney, Jaipur and Experiences for intrepid adventurers, history property, each with their own Abu Dhabi. buffs and foodies are in store for travellers in private three-piece The line’s CEO and president, Edie 2017, while a ‘Design Your Time’ option allows bathroom, including many Rodriguez, said: “Christmas voyages on our for a fully customised holiday. with an outdoor shower. The ocean ships have always been a special Prices lead in at $78,600 per person. larger sized accommodation occasion for travellers seeking adventure For more information call 020-7399 7605 or also has expanded decks for along with the traditions of the season. A visit crystalcruises.co.uk private dining. Onsite facilities include an Research reveals experiential travel leads the way for 2017 indoor restaurant, private ACCORDING TO new research by Quintessentially, discerning travellers are seeking destinations massage tents and four- that are changing rapidly or even disappearing, such as Cuba. poster beds plus a veranda Luxury travel predictions from the company, based on the research, for this year included an overlooking the hippo and increase in demand for destinations that offer experiences, such as those that include special crocodile filled river. events, speakers and educational courses; and travellers are seeking fresh territory, with more For further information see demand for longer-haul trips of two weeks or longer. fairmont.com/masai-mara- The research also identified which destinations are the ones to watch for 2017, these being- safari/ and goldmedal.co.uk Cuba, Iceland, Croatia, South Africa, Japan, while the top endangered/changing destinations or call 0800-014 7777. were identified as Cuba, Antarctica, Great Barrier Reef, Venice and The Arctic. S07 TB 0302 2017 Luxury P25_Layout 1 01/02/2017 14:59 Page 32
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THE PACIFIC Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) has now taken over the ownership and running of the Little Polynesian Resort. In total, five of the Cook Islands’ leading tourism properties now fall under the PRHG umbrella. They include Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Te Manava Luxury Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd Villas & Spa, Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel & Villas, Pacific Resort Aitutaki, and now the University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, Little Polynesian Resort. Agents are advised that the latter two resorts are more suited for London, SW1W 0EX honeymooners, whilst the other properties and their facilities are ideal for weddings. Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Buxton Press Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419 puzzleCrossword:solutions Across: 1. WENDY WU, 4. DEC, 6. GOWER, 8. IPSOS, 9. IBIS, 10. RENO, 13. BUOY, 14. PERU, 16. TWEED, 17. EGYPT, 18. RED, 19. ROOSTER. Down: 1. WIGGINS, 2. YORK, 3. UNITED, 4. DISCOVERY, 5. CNS, 7. WHITBREAD, 11. EQUATOR, 12. CONDOR, 15. PESO, @TravelBulletin 16. TOR. Highlighted Word: WINDSOR
TravelBulletin Where Am I?: Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong, China
We asked our staff the following question this week:
Which film character do you wish could be your best friend?
Jeanette Ratcliffe Matthew Weinreb Publisher Sales Executive [email protected] [email protected] Ironman...he'd be a great help around the house! The Terminator
Lauretta Wright Kathryn Frost Editor Sales Executive [email protected] [email protected] Wonder Woman so she can teach me how to be amazing.
Adam Potter Catherine Dillon Editorial Assistant Sales Executive [email protected] [email protected] Indiana Jones. Patsy Stone from Ab Fab
Paul Scudamore Oliver Barton Contributing Editor Events & Sales Administrator
[email protected] [email protected] Doh...Homer Simpson Without a doubt....Bridget Jones.
Simon Eddolls Nicky Valsamakis Sales Director Design Team Leader [email protected] [email protected] Roger Rabbit Tyler Durden.
Tim Podger Miriam Brtkova Account Manager - Far East Designer [email protected] [email protected] The Minions
Bill Coad Lucia Mathurin Account Manager Design Apprentice [email protected] [email protected] Forrest Gump Tony Stark - Iron Man
Nelly Mendes Matt Gill Production Senior Account Manager [email protected] [email protected] Princess Sofia
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Perfect for luxury holidays
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, One&Only The Palm, One&Only Reethi Rah, The Palace at One&Only Australia Dubai Maldives Royal Mirage, Dubai
Residence & Spa at One&Only One&Only Hayman Island, Arabian Court at One&Only One&Only Le Saint Geran, Royal Mirage, Dubai Australia Royal Mirage, Dubai Mauritius
WIN A Call our specialists on 0141 955 4000 FAM or visit agents.ifonly.net A DAY! for full details S07 TB 0302 2017 Luxury P25_Layout 1 01/02/2017 14:59 Page 34
NON-STOP ACT N IO OW OP N EN
TOO AND THE CHANCE TO CHILL
A Discovery Cove Ultimate Package is like 2 holidays in 1. Scream for pulse-racing coasters, exhilarating water rides and new thrills like Mako at SeaWorld and Cobra’s Curse at Busch Gardens. There’s also the chance to make new friends with amazing animal encounters, and then relax on white sand beaches, lazy rivers and more. It’s Florida like you’ve never experienced before. Experience all four parks with the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package. Includes an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove (dolphin swim or non-dolphin swim), 14 days unlimited admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica. Free unlimited parking too! For more information contact your preferred ticket provider or visit www.seaworldagents.co.uk
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