TB 0212 2016 Cover 29/11/2016 11:15 Page 1

December 2 2016 | ISSUE NO 1,993 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Germany Tourist board highlights emerging trends in eastern regions

this week notes from conference activity & normanton update 13 adventure 8 12 london life 19 Sandy reports back news from AITO’s new experiences to from her trip to Egypt conference in Jordan a look at what’s new in satisfy your clients’ the capital this month adventurous side S01 TB 0212 2016 Start_Layout 1 30/11/2016 12:07 Page 2

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Cover Pictures: Main - elxeneize Inset - The View from The Shard 09 would not take any holidays in the coming year. Some 12%of the total population and7% of familiessaid keep they costs down and emptying theirholiday budget altogether. holidays (30%) thanpay down theirdebt (20%). respondents said they would rather put that moneyinto boost in income. With an extra £17a week of income, important than paying down debt ifconsumers received a from acrossthe UK. Barometer study, which surveyed more than 2,000 respondents holiday budgets. 9% of families have managed to fully ringfence theirback their holiday spendingin the last 12months, while only Future Thinking. from business intelligence research consultancyback on non-essential spending,according to new researchHOLIDAY BUDGETS are under pressure as consumers cut 08 travelbulletin.co.uk 03 Brits draw the purse strings on holiday spending as budgets tighten budgets as spending holiday on strings purse the draw Brits AS WINNERS of a recent competition, eight agents recently joined Silversea on a fam trip on Silver Shadow to take in the sights and sounds of sounds and sights the in take to Shadow Silver on trip fam a on Silversea joined recently agents eight competition, recent a of WINNERS AS Singapore and Bangkok. The winners experienced Club World comfort courtesy of British Airways, a stay in the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore and Singapore in Hotel Fullerton the in stay a Airways, British of courtesy comfort World Club experienced winners The Bangkok. and Singapore the all-inclusive lifestyle on Silver Shadow. Pictured are, from the left: Hannah Vincent, Select Travel; Louisa Maynard, The Cruise Line; Marie Line; Cruise The Maynard, Louisa Travel; Select Vincent, Hannah left: the from are, Pictured Shadow. Silver on lifestyle all-inclusive the Ratcliffe, Go Cruise Travel; Abigail David, Caribtours; Helen Bonner, Hays Travel; Julie Nunes, Silversea Cruises; Juan Giraldo, British Airways; British Giraldo, Juan Cruises; Silversea Nunes, Julie Travel; Hays Bonner, Helen Caribtours; David, Abigail Travel; Cruise Go Ratcliffe, Moyra O Donoghue, Roscrea Travel; Linda Bellis, Lusso Travel; Telina Lawrence, Preferred Travel; and Jennifer Vandewiele, Silversea Cruises. Cruises. Silversea Vandewiele, Jennifer and Travel; Preferred Lawrence, Telina Travel; Lusso Bellis, Linda Travel; Roscrea Donoghue, O Moyra Silversea Sailing... Silversea Otherfindings from the research included: we spendon However, some people are also taking more radical stepsto Despitethe pressures on budgets, holidays were more The findings come from the company's annual Shopper More than a quarter of families (26%) have attempted to cut offers & competitions this week’s booking incentives, agent agent bulletin Egypt Sandy reports back from her trip to notes from normanton developments & announcements a round-up of this week’s industry news

This week 12 13 11 conference in Jordan Adam Potter reports from the AITO conference update this month a look at what’s new in the capital london life £50 M&S voucher play Su Doku for your chance to win a puzzle bulletin cautious yet eager holidaymakers.”eager yetcautious these to adapt toYear well New do the forwould packages holiday Traveltheir debts. downplanning companiespay than holidays intoincome in boost small a put rather would us thirdof a nearly that point the to – budgets holiday their into back moremoney put holidaymakers keentoare still cuttingback on their holidayspending inthe last year.clearly been put underpressure, with aquarter ofoptions families and moreopportunities tosave. Holidaybudgets surprise have that people are seekingout better deals, cheapersaid:“With economic uncertainty on the horizon, it’sno out. drinking and eating and fromshopping clothesback arepulling (37%) us threeof in one and year; last Brits three(35%) in fromone droppingeconomy, UK the stateof the about positivefelt respondentsof 19% only months; 12 next the overeconomy the stateof the were year)concernedabout last 31% fromup (42%, five in twobusiness; foryear a nights seven leisureforhotels and at staying year a nights nine average “However, while families are being forcedback, “However,arewhilefamiliesbeing cut to Noreen Kinsey, head of retail andleisure at Future Thinking, December 22016 19

16 14

bulletin news clients’ adventurous side new experiences to satisfy your activity & adventure regions trends in destination’s eastern tourist board highlights emerging germany news and views from ANTOR bulletin briefing 3 S01 TB 0212 2016 Start_Layout 1 29/11/2016 10:33 Page 4

newsbulletin

Escape Lounge access at OAK for Norwegian's Premium passengers NORWEGIAN WILL give Premium existing free access to No1 Lounges at also be able to purchase access to passengers travelling to Gatwick from Gatwick for all the airline's the lounge. Oakland International Airport (OAK) Premium passengers. Premium passengers can check in free access to the airport’s new lounge The new Escape Lounge at OAK will two 20kg bags, receive priority from this month. be the first to open on the west coast boarding and are welcomed on board Passengers flying in the carrier's and will offer stylish and contemporary with complimentary soft drinks. Premium cabin on its low-cost flights furnishings, an extensive Passengers also receive spacious from the Bay Area are offered complimentary locally inspired menu, leather reclining seats with 46-inch complimentary access to the new unlimited free alcoholic and non- legroom, premium meals and Escape Lounge operated by alcoholic beverages and free high- unlimited soft and alcoholic beverages Manchester Airports Group (MAG) speed Wi-Fi, in addition to a selection – all on the new 787 Dreamliner. USA, subsidiary of the largest UK- of newspapers and magazines. For further information see owned airport group. Access to the The carrier's Economy passengers norwegian.com/uk and Escape Lounge will complement the and customers of other airlines will escapelounges.com

bmi regional boosts Milan route from Bristol Airport following demand FOLLOWING THE success of its existing seven routes out of Bristol Airport, bmi regional has made changes to its Milan schedule – increasing the route to a total of five weekly departures. The new schedule adds a flight from Bristol every Wednesday evening, returning on a Thursday morning, to the existing rotations on Mondays and Fridays. In addition, for summer 2017 there will be departures every Saturday and Sunday. All fares include 23kg hold luggage allowance, complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks, allocated leather seating and 30-minute check-ins.

CLIA launches Cruise360 in Europe CLIA (CRUISE Line International Association) has announced the launch of Cruise360 in Europe for the first time in 2017. The event is already a regular part of the travel industry in North America and Australasia and attracts cruise lines, travel agents and media to a single immersive event which focuses on giving delegates practical advice and support to grow their cruise sales. The inaugural three-day European event will be held in Copenhagen on September 9, 2017 and will combine multiple ship visits with organised local excursions in Copenhagen. The event will also feature keynote conference sessions, two evening events and new for this event, the ‘Cruise Sales Masterclass’ learning programmes. The Masterclass courses will provide information and new skills for agents to enhance their cruise sales. The course themes will include selling destinations, marketing and sales techniques. CAB CALL…Texas Tourism has introduced branded black cabs in An optional ship visit is available on September 8 for London. Pictured donning their cowboy hats are the tourist office’s agents arriving in Copenhagen the day before. Brad Smyth (left) and Tommy Woods. Registration is now open at cruiseexperts.org

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Youtravel.com adds new property in Turkey’s Bodrum LABRANDA HOTELS & VENICE VENTURE...Returning to its Italian roots, earlier this Webjet partners with Resorts (owned by FTI month saw Kirker Holidays celebrate its 30th anniversary in Venice, where the team enjoyed a formal dinner at the Ca’Sagredo Group) has signed a ten- Hotel. During the visit, the City of Venice officially recognised the Routehappy year rental agreement with operator with the presentation of a special award for its WEBJET HAS announced the owners of the Outstanding Contribution to Cultural Tourism. Pictured is the its implementation of previously called Sensimar team setting out on their Venice trip from the company's central London offices. Routehappy Scores & Hotel located in Turgutreis, Amenities and Routehappy Bodrum. Hub content, enabling The hotel will be Webjet to display airline renamed to LABRANDA Kudu Travel promotes new 16-night rich content in flight Bodrum Princess & Spa Ecuador & Galápagos itinerary search results. and Youtravel.com will add The integration will KUDU TRAVEL is highlighting its new tour to Ecuador and the property to its portfolio enable users to see the Galápagos Islands, which last year sold out early. from spring 2017. targeted airline The operator’s trip to the remote pacific Galápagos Located just 1km from information and media Islands visits Fernandina Island, the youngest island of the Turgutreis city centre and when shopping for flights archipelago and the very island featured on Planet Earth 20km from Bodrum, the via a standardised content II, Islands. hotel features 255 guest format called UPAs Guests will travel on a fully-crewed teak-decked sailing rooms divided between 34 (Universal Product yacht, The Beagle - named after HMS Beagle, the vessel on swim-up rooms, 101 suites Attributes) from which Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands during and 120 standard rooms all Routehappy Hub, alongside the historic voyage that led to his theory of evolution - for a with complimentary Wi-Fi. its Flight Scores and week of exploration. Offering a beachfront comprehensive Amenities Guests can head ashore for daily walks on the islands location, visitors have like Wi-Fi, entertainment with a naturalist guide, and there are also plenty of direct access to the Aegean and fresh food. opportunities to swim and snorkel with turtles, sea lions, Sea along with a variety of John Guscic, Webjet’s fur seals, eagle rays, Galápagos penguins and tropical fish. activities including water managing director, said: The tour also takes in mainland Ecuador, highlights of aerobics, pool, table- “For almost 20 years, we which include the colonial architecture of Quito and a four- tennis, darts and aerobics, have been at the forefront day train journey on Tren Crucero, with excursions to see plus evening of innovation with our the Avenue of the Volcanoes and to discover Andean entertainment. online travel tools, focused Indian culture. Guests will also stay on on the goal of making flight Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: a Walking Tour an ultra all-inclusive shopping easier, more across the Equator costs from £8,390 per person based on concept that includes all transparent and more two sharing, and includes 16 nights’ full board meals, alcoholic and non- informative for our accommodation (nine nights in four-star hotels and seven alcoholic beverages and customers. Routehappy’s nights on the yacht); all land and rail transport; internal two a-la-carte restaurants. one of a kind solution will flights (Guayaquil/Baltra/Quito); entrance fees; sightseeing; Other amenities include provide a better customer and activities as per the itinerary, along with the services of a spa, fitness centre, experience through clear, a local naturalist guide during the cruise and a tour leader. Turkish bath (hammam), compelling content that International flights are extra and the walking grade is heated indoor pool and highlights airlines’ key standard - between one and two-and-a-half hours per day. a Jacuzzi. differentiators and To book or for more information call 01225-436115 or visit For more information see amenities people kudutravel.com youtravel.com care about.”

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newsbulletin Qatar Airways boosts capacity to Cape Town with Boeing 777 QATAR AIRWAYS has increased daily capacity to Cape Town with the introduction of a Boeing 777 to serve the popular family holiday destination. This means that an additional 158 seats per day to the city for passengers looking to enjoy South Africa’s holiday season. UK travellers can fly with the airline from Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham to Cape Town via the airline’s home and hub in Doha. The Doha to Cape Town route - which was previously served with the Boeing 787 offering 254 seats - will now be operated with the Boeing 777, which offers a total of 412 seats across its Business and Economy Classes. Passengers in every seat across both cabins will enjoy a fully interactive personal audio and video entertainment system with up to 3,000 options. For full timetable information or to book visit qatarairways.com Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts set to expand by nearly 900 rooms in London THE CONTEMPORARY upper upscale see PPHE Hotel Group’s London hotel brand Park Plaza Hotels & portfolio grow to a total of Resorts, operated in Europe by PPHE eight properties. Hotel Group, is increasing its portfolio, Greg Hegarty, regional general revealing plans for a string of new manager UK, PPHE Hotel Group, said: openings and developments across "We are delighted to announce these London over the next few months. new additions to the Park Plaza Hotels & The multi-million pound investment Resorts portfolio. It follows a strong will see almost 300 jobs created for the development year for the brand, which hospitality industry in the capital. The has also seen investments in Croatia and new openings and the completion of an Nuremberg in Europe, and marks a extension and reconfiguration project will huge boost to the London market. increase the brand’s room count to 3,158 "As London’s tourism industry within the M25, making it one of the continues to attract many visitors and largest international upper upscale hotel business travellers are being drawn to brands in the capital. London Park Royal, a centrally located the capital, we look forward to catering Park Plaza London Waterloo, property within one of London’s largest to popular demand while providing the positioned as a sanctuary for those business hubs which will have contemporary design and exceptional seeking a London adventure, will be the convenient quality at its core. service that is synonymous with the Park first new hotel to open and is located on Furthermore, the completion of major Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand.” the bustling South Bank. It will be closely refurbishments at Park Plaza London For further information visit followed by the launch of Park Plaza Riverbank and Plaza on the River will parkplaza.com NEWS BITES

G TRAVEL SEARCH engine Skyscanner has teamed up with flight information provider OAG to provide flight status information up until the point of departure to offer passengers access to accurate flight status information.

G QATAR AIRWAYS Holidays is offering UK travellers the opportunity to add new experiences to existing travel plans, by stopping over in Doha on the outbound journey for up to four days. This holiday- within-a-holiday is thanks to a new free transit visa scheme that allows visitors to break their outbound journey in Doha without impacting their total return ticket fare.

G LONDON SOUTHEND Airport is now offering flights to Gran Canaria with easyJet. Fares for the twice-weekly route start from £30.99 one-way. Details at southendairportcom LOOKING FLY...SuperBreak has launched its new look Hen and Stag flyer offering ideas to inspire soon-to-be brides and grooms. The flyer G VIKING CRUISES is partnering with Garden Designer Sarah Eberle opens up to reveal a selection of hen and stag breaks, plus overseas again this year to create a travel-inspired garden for the RHS suggestions including the operator’s two most popular destinations - Chelsea Flower Show 2017. The Viking Cruises Garden of Barcelona and Prague. With its own stamp space for agents to put Inspiration will reflect the colours, art and culture of Barcelona, a their details, the operator is encouraging agents to send the leaflet to honeymoon bookers and use it at wedding fairs and exploit all other source of inspiration for Sarah following her previous travel marketing opportunities. Pictured is the company's Graham experiences and also one of the company's destinations. Balmforth (left) and Tony Mann from Idle Travel in Bradford.

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WINTERS STORY…Four year-old Amber Winters from Birmingham has won a nationwide competition Extension of London’s to become Thomson Airways’ first child ambassador. As part of the airline’s #NameOurPlane competition, the carrier asked youngsters between the ages of four and 11 to suggest a name for the river concerts airline’s new state-of-the-art 787-9 Dreamliner and to provide their ideas on how it could make the plane even better for children. Amber, who is pictured with one of the carrier’s captains, Stuart EVENINGS OF musical Gruber, was chosen for her suggestion to name the plane Pixie Dust and her idea to have a children’s merriment continue into area which includes bean bags and a reading corner at the back of the aircraft. this month as London’s leading river boat service, MBNA Thames Clippers Acacia Africa releases list of 2017 destination hotspots extends its series of live WITH AUTHENTIC and experiential travel adaption of Born Free heightened interest acoustic performances gathering momentum, Africa is set to be in Kenya. The country - and more from the capital’s one of the top continents for travel in 2017 specifically multi-destination overland top buskers. according to Acacia Africa, and the operator travel - will undoubtedly benefit from the With the series’ first has identified destinations that it predicts tripartite agreement between Kenya, sessions met with great will be trending - and why. Uganda and Rwanda, which was signed in reviews, the additional The company's sales and marketing October: the objective being to boost River Lates sets will take manager, Arno Delport, said: "Namibia African tourism, increase the number of place on the next three secured second place on Lonely Planet’s visitors and indirectly help the economy of Thursday evenings this Best Value travel list with its currency each of the three countries." month. The two-hour pegged to the South African rand. Brexit An 18-day Mountain gorillas to the Mara floating festival sets from means budgets will be stretched in 2017, so itinerary, covering Kenya and Uganda, leads TfL accredited buskers will we would also expect Lesotho and in at £1,405, with an Adventure Pass costing take place on selected Swaziland - the country being tipped as an additional £510 and a Gorilla & Chimp MBNA Thames Clippers Southern Africa’s next adventure capital - to Trek permit from £540. Prices include RB1 services. be key destinations next year, the value of transport, camping accommodation, 50 Joining the existing the Loti and Lilangeni also tied to the rand." meals and the services of a tour timetabled services, the As an example of prices, an 11-day Cape leader/guide. musicians will join the Desert Safari leads in at £755 per person Meanwhile, in a recent Long Haul Holiday 19:35 sailing departing (with no single supplement) including Report, South Africa’s Cape Town emerged Embankment pier on transport, camping accommodation, 27 as the cheapest of 34 resorts and cities December 8, 15 and 22 and meals and the services of a tour surveyed for Brits - and following the perform a two-hour set. leader/guide. launch of British Airways' new flights from For details see Kenya has also started to make a Gatwick three times weekly, the destination thamesclippers.com/offers comeback since travel advisories were is expected to gain popularity. /detail/riverlates/ removed according to the operator. Delport To book or for more information call 020- said: "The 50th anniversary of the film 7706 4700 or see acacia-africa.com Priority Pass grows to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide PRIORITY PASS has announced that it now provides access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide following a year of strong growth. The company has worked with new partners in key regions around the world to add 130 new lounges within the last 12 months. In the Asia Pacific region 32 lounges have been added, including 11 lounges in China. New lounges have also opened in the growing economic hubs of Indonesia, Taiwan, Myanmar and Cambodia, as well as in New Zealand and Australia. Across Europe, the Middle East and Africa the company has expanded its network with 69 new lounges, a 19% growth on the same period in 2015, while 18 lounges are now offered in South America including new additions in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil – and in the US a further six lounges have been added.

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newsbulletin MOVERS G CONDOR FERRIES has appointed Daniel Swan as marketing assistant. G ÞORSTEINN GUÐJÓNSSON has joined Icelandair as general manager for Western Europe, which includes the UK. G HAHN AIR has appointed Ralf Masermann as vice president TMC (Travel Management Companies). G DEBBY NEWMAN has joined Sea Life Brighton as marketing manager. Notes from G MONARCH HAS appointed Ian Chambers as chief

commercial officer. G AIR NEW ZEALAND has appointed Jo Copestake as Normanton... general manager UK and Europe. G THE LOS ANGELES Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) has appointed Ashlee Ciora as senior director, tourism. URGHADA IS SAFE! Yes I am G KEVIN DALLAS has been appointed CEO at the shouting it from the rooftops! I lost track of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, effective from January Hamount of people that asked ‘will it be safe?’ when I 2017. told them I was going to Hurghada for a week. Security is G HRS HAS appointed Andy Besent as managing director excellent at the airport, both in and out, and I can’t and Ian Blackie as sales director. understand why there were so few British people - there G ROYAL CARIBBEAN has appointed Sophie Wilson as were plenty of Germans and French. When they knew we regional sales manager for the North East of England. were English they were so pleased we had gone - and G JORGE QUIBELL has joined If Only... as sales nothing was too much trouble. I feel sad for the Egyptians; it executive. must be tough trying to survive in this situation. We stayed G FLEXIBLE AUTOS has promoted Andrea Elwell to the at the 4* Siva Grand Beach hotel on AI which was excellent. role of national sales manager. It has a lovely clean beach and big pools, and our rep (Ahmed Sharkawye) was brilliant. He is an Egyptologist and is a mine of information on Egypt and its history. He has been with Red Sea Holidays for 5 yrs but in the past mainly as a tour guide - I do hope things improve so that he can go back to doing that again. On the day we were leaving he was moving to Makadi Bay to look after the Red Sea Hotels. I am sure he will be a great success there too. We went on a couple of boat trips and a city tour which were excellent and we managed to do some snorkelling. Again, I was well looked after by the Red Sea rep that was on the excursion. It was also nice to see that the cats were well looked after at the hotels. If you have clients wanting to go somewhere warm this • NEW: Check out the latest videos from the WTM winter send them to Hurghada/Makadi Bay. You won’t regret with the launch of TBTV it when they come back and say what a great time they had and there’s nothing to worry about. The people we met on • Prague Tour for two, PLUS bottles of Champagne the boats from other hotels and Makadi Bay all said the & Wine to be won with Prague Eventery! same - great hotel, great food and well looked after. I also found out that those people that want to go to Sharm can fly • Last chance to WIN a two-night stay for two to Hurghada and get a ferry across to Sharm with Direct people with Melia Hotels International Ferries. The return fare is £58.20 and the ferry takes about 2 • POLL BULLETIN: discover which topical issues we hours each way. I hope the Government hurry up and allow are asking you the agent, this month flights back to Sharm. The FCO have said it is ok so what’s the problem? Also, it is not necessary to take Egyptian Visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ for details pounds - they love English pounds or euros! on the above websclusives. ‘A smile is happiness right under your nose’ and ‘If you lack the courage to start you have already finished’.

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 Until December 9 Funway Holidays Agent competitions is running a 'Quote Me Happy' promotion where agents have the TO GET agents in a festive mood, Attraction chance to win a seven-night, all- World is offering the opportunity to win one inclusive holiday for two with Elegant Hotels, Thomas Cook of 12 exclusive Walt Disney World Resort Airlines & SunTours Caribbean. For Pandora charms. For the chance to win, visit a chance to win, agents need to attractionworld.com to answer a fun, call the reservations centre on Christmas-based question by December 12. 020-8290 9754 for a quote on a Caribbean holiday and they will be THE CUNARD and P&O Cruises’ entered once into the prize draw Partnership Team is giving away £20,000 to (quote promo code HAPPY). Agents agents in its Partnership Payout, a new making a booking (with competition which is now live. Open to those accommodation at Elegant Hotels or who have completed the training modules flights with Thomas Cook Airlines) and reached Commodore status in Academy will receive two entries. Online, agents need to make a Select Price G New bookings made with Crystal or Cunard Fare booking between now and Cruises and paid in full between December 4 and enter the booking now and December 15 on select reference online to win one of 20 shopping Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, vouchers worth £1,000 each. See Crystal Mozart and Crystal Esprit completecruisesolution.com/academy to voyages will officially qualify complete the modules. agencies to win a balcony stateroom on Crystal’s 2017 ‘Southern World Cruise’. The top ten agencies with the most qualifying bookings and revenue will each earn one stateroom on the 94-night intensive journey through South America’s most majestic destinations. The voyage sails round-trip from Miami from January 10, 2017. To qualify, travel partners must generate a minimum of $25,000 in cruise revenue on select voyages. Email [email protected] or call 020-7399 7602 for details.

Agent offer In May 2017, Tunbridge Wells’ tour operator, Pettitts, enters into its 30th year as an independent, specialist VISIT CALIFORNIA is preparing to launch its travel company and, to celebrate, is 'California Star' platform in the UK in March 2017. offering agents an increase in Designed to better equip agents to promote California commission from 12.5% to 15%, for any to their clients, the new app offers an upgrade to the new bookings with a travel date Californian expert programme. Pictured showing off a between May 1 and September 30, beta version of the new tool at WTM last month is the 2017. For details see pettitts.co.uk or tourist office’s Alex Vigil. email [email protected]

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newsbulletin New eight-night 'rail & sail' breaks from £1,849 with Star Clippers STAR CLIPPERS is offering new eight-night `rail & sail’ holidays that combine rail travel from London to Cannes, a one night pre-cruise stay on the French Riviera and a week’s full-board sailing on the fully-crewed tall ship Royal Clipper. Departing between May and October 2017, the cruise includes a choice of scenic itineraries that includes port calls along the French Riviera and in Corsica, Sardinia, Elba and the Italian coastline. Prices start from £1,849 per person for the eight-night holiday including rail travel from London St. Pancras to Cannes (Eurostar & TGV), transfers between rail/hotel and ship, a seven-night full board sailing on Royal Clipper, plus port charges and taxes. To book call 0808-231 4798 or visit starclippers.co.uk

Agia Napa’s Olympic Lagoon Resort to undergo major renovation IN A bid to further enhance the Interior décor, services and luxury experience for its guests, amenities will also be upgraded to Kanika Hotels & Resorts has match the recently launched Olympic unveiled plans for major renovation Lagoon Resort Paphos, while new works to take place on its hotel, the rooms will be constructed in various Olympic Lagoon Resort in Agia Napa. areas without increasing the footprint Work is scheduled to commence of the hotel, boosting the property’s when the resort closes for the winter total room capacity from 301 to 319. in November 2017 and will be The current outdoor entertainment completed in time for the re-opening space will also be replaced by a new on April 1, 2018. custom-designed indoor The hotel was first launched in entertainment venue, while all 2011 with a total investment of 16 series of upgrades. All standard rooms existing restaurants will be upgraded million euros and continues to prove a in the main building will be completely and two new restaurants introduced to popular all-inclusive resort in Cyprus, renovated to become more spacious, raise the number of dine-around purpose-designed for both couples luxurious and modern and, in order to restaurants from four to six. and families. provide larger rooms and bathrooms, All indoor and outdoor areas, At an estimated cost of 11 million a number of existing rooms will including leisure facilities, will also euros, the property will undergo a be demolished. see a refurbishment. NEWS BITES

G OAG, AN air travel intelligence company, has been selected by American Airlines as a founding partner of the airline’s new Official Source programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative focusing on the quality and integrity of flight information. As a founding partner, OAG’s flight tracking properties – flightview.com and flightview mobile travel apps – will display the Official Seal of American Airlines Data, allowing travellers to easily identify approved flight information services of American Airlines. For details see oag.com G THE AMADA Colossos Resort on the Greek island of Rhodes is currently undergoing a major new development. Operated by Louis Hotels, the new resort will offer 699 rooms and suites, villas and swim up rooms, 16 restaurants and bars, six swimming pools, childrens clubs and a water park. The project will be completed in two phases with the first phase to be completed in June 2017 alongside the resort’s launch. Τhe second and final phase will be finished in May 2018. G AÉROPORTS DE Lyon has installed a new piece of security equipment in Terminal 3 for a three-month trial period. The Advanced Cabin Baggage Systems (ACBS) is able to detect both liquid and solid explosives in cabin baggage, as well as electronic equipment without Dubai Parks and Resorts is celebrating the opening of Bollywood Parks Dubai following last month's opening of LEGOLAND Dubai the passenger having to remove liquids or electronics from and Riverland Dubai. The new theme park showcases rides and their luggage. attractions based on some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters. G AFRICA ALBIDA Tourism (AAT) has announced the opening of the Themed attractions and rides are spread across five zones: new $150million Victoria Falls International Airport, which has the Bollywood Boulevard, Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, Royal Plaza capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers per annum, tripling its and Bollywood Film Studios, and the park also offers six themed restaurants and eight retail outlets. For details see previous volume, and capable of landing some of the world’s dubaiparksandresorts.com largest aircraft.

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puzzlebulletin Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in thetravel bulletinSu Doku prize puzzle Where Am I?

Number: 046 A «

B «

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, December 8th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 18th November is Richard Peacock, Travel Wedged in a mountain crevasse, this boulder is accessible Your Way in Cheshire. without any climbing equipment and is a popular spot for November 18 Solution: A=5 B=3 C=1 D=6 daring hikers to stand on with a drop below of 3,228ft.

Crossword Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares. Across 20. Taipei, Taiwan International airport code (3) 1. Regional airline with HO at East Down Midlands airport (3) 1. Country location of the film, A United 3. Popular Majorca resort (7) Kingdom (8) 6. River between Devon and Cornwall (5) 2. Turkish city on the Aegean (5) 7. Children's toy and building block of a 3. Brothers who both triumphed at the recent Windsor theme park (4) ATP tournament (6) 9. Capital of Poland (6) 4. National carrier of Bahrain, ___ Air (4) 10. One of the Great Lakes (4) 5. Escorted tours operator (5) 12. First name of 2016 F1 world title winner (4) 8. Dover is the state capital (8) 14. State capital of Montana (6) 11. State capital of Colorado (6) 17. South American country (4) 13. Greece's largest island (5) 18. Self-catering holiday accommodation (5) 15. Popular resort on the Red Sea (5) 19. Privately-owned independent tour operator, 16. The highest mountain in Japan (4) ___ Holidays (7)

For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I?

Number: 046 Number: Please see page 22

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conferenceupdate Boutique business “This is an industry that's not just surviving; our travel agents, along with tour operator support, booming says Bailey are very much thriving” reported Gemma RETAIL CHAMPION Claire Antrobus, agents chairman from the AITO Bailey discussed the conference 2016. With a theme of ‘Perception polarisation effect amongst Versus Reality’, the conference was held fittingly today’s consumers. in Jordan last week in a dual centre itinerary Taking to the stage Bailey that saw agent members stay in the Movenpick said: “Specialists in the Hotel Dead Sea & Petra, with the chance to retail environment are explore some of the country’s most iconic sights growing almost and to participate in business sessions. exponentially - we're seeing ADAM POTTER reports on some of the key an explosion of 'boutique points raised… business'. This is linked to the fact that people will polarise their behaviour and Jordan partners with Tracy Edwards MBE & redefines image shop low-end for the basics but spend high-end on the INITIALLY CONCEIVED 30 years ago, Jordan has renewed its partnership with round-the-world things that matter. They yachtswoman Tracy Edwards and her iconic boat, Maiden. trust independents and In 1990, Edwards made history by leading the first all-female crew to the finish line of the when we look at the Whitbread Round the World Race. Supported by His Majesty, King Hussein, who believed in price/service relationship, Edwards’ vision and displaying the royal crown of the Jordanian family on her sail, Maiden people are willing to spend a helped to inspire women to take up sailing and challenge the perception of what women were good deal more if the capable of. In 2017 the yacht will be restored to its former glory, Jordanian colours and all, to product meets their needs embark on a new venture called The Maiden Factor which will work with and raise funds for or exceeds their charities and sail the globe promoting the agenda of education for girls. expectations.” Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board, said: “When Stressing that when it Tracy Edwards MBE told us of her new mission we were only too delighted to help. She has comes to customers less is helped to inspire so many people and her new vision is something that aligns perfectly with our most definitely more, Bailey own in Jordan. Empowering women, championing girls education and inspiring a generation is advised agents to channel such a powerful message; it is an honour to be involved in her project and we look forward to their efforts towards those welcoming Maiden and her inspirational crew to Jordan in 2017.” customers who are actively In tandem with this, the tourism board has also embarked on a new strategy, identifying its engaged in the process (as key products and redefining them for today’s consumers. Dr. Arabiyat said: “The trends and opposed to the ‘time behaviours of tourists have changed in the past five to ten years - from sightseeing to wasters’), as it is they who ‘sightdoing’ - and the need to live the experience. We identified the unique and authentic can recommned the experiences that Jordan can offer tourists and have redesigned our campaigns accordingly. We business to their peers and believe the UK market to be one of the most important and resilient markets to Jordan.” succesfully amplify a travel For more details visit themaidenfactor.org or for more destination information go to agency’s reach. visitjordan.com AITO imparts results and trends from its Travel Insights survey 2016 AITO HAS shared key findings from its consumer research In terms of travel intentions, 93% project; AITO Travel Insights 2016. of respondents plan to take at least Compiled in association with data insight specialist Spike one short break in the UK next year Marketing, 40 AITO companies emailed the survey to their and 85% are going to take at least client databases in September, with more than 18,000 surveys one short break abroad. Some 77% completed and returned. also cited a desire to take at least Kate Kenward, executive director for the association, said: one longer break of six nights or “As last year’s survey proved to be so invaluable, we decided to more abroad (with almost 40% saying they will take two and provide the service again and we will continue to do so almost 30% saying they will take three). annually. As special interest operators, our members need to When asked if they had any special interests or hobbies that fully understand their customers’ travel requirements to enable they like to spend time pursuing whilst on holiday, city beaks them to tailor their holiday programmes even better. This and trips with a strong focus on culture, arts and history were survey is crafted to capture customers’ key travel the most popular. Walking breaks also received a strong considerations, intentions and buying habits, as well as holiday response. When asked if there was a special interest that preferences and important decision trigger points.” wasn’t adequately catered for by travel organisers, the top Respondents were primarily aged over-55 (62%) - a sector hobby mentioned – for the second year running – was which is believed to increase over the next few years due to photography, followed by cycling and then fishing. pension pot flexibility. It was noted that in comparison to last When it comes to the most important sources of information year there has been a small decrease (2.8%) in the number of available to consumers to help them decide on a particular people saying they will spend more on their holidays in the next holiday, browsing travel websites was still top at 42%, but 10% 12 months, however more respondents were willing to spend less important compared to last year. In contrast, advice from the same amount. From the survey, 47% spend more than agents and travel companies saw a small increase. £1,500 per head and 15.5% spend more than £3,000. Visit aito.com for more details.

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londonlife

G HOTEL UPDATES G Attraction news Celebrate Christmas in The View from The Shard has unveiled a programme of style at the five-star Christmas wonder - from carol singing to Champagne boutique hotel, The Arch and even a cinematic classic. The open-air Skydeck London, with the Winter on Level 72 has been transformed into a serene Wonderland package winter hideaway – 800ft above the capital - available until January 2, featuring winter plants, pine trees and twinkling 2017. The package costs lights. Visitors can warm-up with a drink from from £325 and includes an The View from The Shard's 'design your own' Hot overnight stay for two Chocolate Bar, plus on Level 69, visitors can guests in a double or twin sample a glass of Lanson23 gold flake room with a Champagne and enjoy Christmas carols next to complimentary welcome London's highest Christmas tree. The choir will drink or cocktail on perform every Sunday in December from 15:00. Movie arrival, an extra bed or cot fans can enjoy Miracle on 34th Street (the original) with (in Executive rooms or a one-off screening in the stars, on December 14 including higher) and a Archie bear a free glass of bubbly. Finally, the Kids Go Free offer will return toy for children. The for one week between Saturday December 17 and Christmas Eve. Details at hotel’s restaurant, Hunter theviewfromtheshard.com 486, is also offering a three-course Festive menu for £35 per person KidZania London is hosting the until December 30 UK’s first Christmas market (excluding run by kids for kids. In Christmas Day). addition to more than 60 role play adventures, children can visit the pop- up Christmas market and Guests at Hilton London create gifts which they Metropole can now check can wrap up and take in their luggage for their home to loved ones. The flight directly from the market runs until January 6. hotel lobby with a new See kidzania.co.uk service AirPortr + Bag Check-In, exclusive to British Airways. The This month (until December 31) the London Dungeon is inviting visitors to get into the service allows travellers Christmas spirit as the real life house burglar, John Smith, gets ready to receive his fate. flying with the carrier to Based on the true story of hapless London criminal John Smith, who was infamously half check in their luggage hanged at Tyburn Tree, visitors will now have the chance to join the baying crowd. Back in direct from the hotel; the 1705 after 'hanging around' for a staggering 15 minutes, incredibly the crowd and his next time they see their wife began calling for a reprieve. But this time the power is in your hands; guests who bags is on the carousel at successfully liberate John can then celebrate his second chance with a tot of Christmas their destination airport. spirit in the Dungeon's Victorian Tavern experience with a free festive drink. There are The service costs £30 for plenty of surprises in store this December as the attraction reveals 1,000 years of a single bag and £10 for London's dark history throughout the experience in 19 shows, featuring some of history's each additional bag from greatest rogues and villains, two thrilling rides and edge-of-the-seat surprises. Details the hotel to Heathrow, at thedungeons.com/london/ Gatwick or London City Airport, with guests of the hotel also receiving an AirPortr reward rate.

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bulletinbriefing Industry Insight by...

There’s no crystal ball in sight as ANTOR celebrates its 65th anniversary by TRACEY POGGIO, chair of ANTOR

S WE approach December most tourist boards will have same month last year: “Overall the figures do not suggest any been reviewing their budgets for 2017 in line with events major fall in post-referendum consumer confidence," the Athat have happened recently, currency fluctuations and ONS reported. feedback from head office. Travel agents will no doubt begin As the winter sets in for a cold end of November, the to be contacted with last minute Christmas and winter sun winter holiday season is well underway. Further evidence of requests, advance summer bookings, as well as being in the consumer spending is borne out by winter holiday bookings height of the ski and short break season. up 16% year-on-year according to the latest industry figures In the midst of all of this we have experienced the US from ABTA’s research, which also shows that three in ten Presidential election results and most recently French people (29%) are planning to take a winter break, with winter presidential primaries with the final election on May 7, 2017 sun the most popular holiday type. and the German elections anticipated in the last quarter of Winter bookings appear to be following a broadly similar 2017. Both of the latter will have a consequence on Brexit. If pattern to the summer according to ABTA, with growth in article 50, Lisbon Treaty, is triggered before the end of March popularity for the Western Mediterranean in particular. 2017, the UK will be out of the EU by the summer of 2019. According to GfK’s Travel & Leisure Monitor, bookings to the However, although the legal challenge to force the most popular winter holiday destination, ANTOR member government to give MPs a say before Article 50 is triggered Spain, are up 33% year-on-year and ANTOR member Cyprus was approved by the High Court, the government has is up 34%. appealed and the case will be heard in the Supreme Court Meanwhile, bookings to long-haul destinations are up in December. across the Caribbean in the winter by 21% - good news for Former Conservative politician and TV presenter Michael ANTOR members Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Portillo joined ANTOR member Egypt’s delegates to endorse Bahamas, Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Trinidad and tourism to the country at WTM. He said: “Egypt remains one Tobago. And bookings to Asia are up by 17% -good news for the most impressive places I have been to. It has always been ANTOR members Korea, Japan, India, Macau, Malaysia and open for business; you’ve always been able to fly to Cairo and Taiwan. If this is where demand is heading agents need to Luxor and enjoy the ancient wonders.” Tunisia and most other prepare themselves for customers enquiries by attending European countries have also called for the FCO to lighten roadshows, undertaking online training programmes and their travel advice. keeping up with social media alerts on new products to The pound fell dramatically after the Brexit vote at the end remain ahead of the game. Links to many online training of June and declined to a three-year low against the euro. On programmes can be found on the ANTOR membership page November 28, the pound was worth $1.25, up slightly since and roadshow diary dates in the calendar. Donald Trump's election victory, while against the euro was Having said that, the winter sun, ski and short breaks worth about 1.18 euros - a year earlier it was worth market is still at the luxury end of the market and the 1.42 euros. increases do not yet reflect where the summer sales will go; The currency's continuing weakness has been accentuated it will be interesting to see the results of the Black Friday by the cut in interest rates and the Bank of England's summer sales. economic stimulus measures. The fall in the pound helps Trend predictions for 2017? If only ANTOR had a crystal exporters and has increased visitors to the UK (and arguably ball! But even though we celebrate our 65th anniversary next staycations), but it makes foreign holidays more expensive for year we still don’t know what will happen; who could have British tourists. It should also help the budgets of imagined the changes we have experienced in the last 11 ANTOR members. months? Even most of the polls got many of those wrong. So have consumers shrugged their shoulders and moved Remaining positive, 2017 has to be a good year for us all. One

on to continue spending? Retail sales have been rising for the thing is for sure we know who the President of the US will be past three years and in August they were up 6.2% from the and we know we will still be in Europe.

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ForFor moremore informationiinformationnformation visitvisit titanagents.co.uktitanagents.co.uk

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germany

THE FRANKFURT Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany and stretches from the Hauptwache across St Paul’s Square and the Römerberg all the way down to the banks of the River Main. Here visitors can find Germany’s largest Christmas tree, set in front of the Römer, Frankfurt’s time-honoured town hall or take part in a guided ‘Stories, Sweets & Savouries’ Christmas market tour, organised through the Frankfurt Tourist and Congress Board on all four advent weekends.

Tourist board tells of the travel stories in Germany’s eastern regions THE GERMAN National Tourist Board (GNTB) recently Erfurt, Eisenhüttenstadt, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Potsdam, showcased the ‘East Side Stories’ and new travel trends for Weimar and Wismar - all of which are discovery 2017 from Germany’s eastern regions. destinations in their own right – not forgetting Berlin and From the previous open cast mines that now make up bases from which to head off-the-beaten-track. one of Europe’s largest man-made lake districts, to tranquil Klaus Lohmann, director of the tourist office for UK islands and exciting cities, to reclaimed industrial and Ireland, said: “Even as a native (west) German, the museums, picturesque palaces and castles, eastern sheer diversity and choice of where to go and what to Germany is one of the country’s most innovative and explore in the east is exciting and inspiring. It’s not just diverse areas for travel. the well-known cities such as Berlin and Dresden, but The six states that comprise the former GDR include the coastline and Islands, the historic Hanseatic ports (east) Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western and the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz. This is Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. New Germany’s Cultural Heart and 2017 is the year to explore trends include an increasing interest in towns and cities the east’s countless opportunities for new and rewarding such as Brandenburg an der Havel, Dessau, Dresden, travel experiences.”

Kirker expands escorted Music Holidays programme to meet demand in 2017 NEW TO its Music Holidays programme for 2017, Kirker has added new escorted itineraries to three of Germany’s leading music festivals/events. For the Dresden Music Festival prices are from £2,725 per person, based on two sharing and departing on May 17, 2017. It includes BA flights from Heathrow to Berlin, transfers to Dresden, seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the four-star Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, two dinners, three lunches, sightseeing, the services of a local guide and tour leader, all gratuities and entrance fees, plus tickets for five concerts including performances by the Philharmonia Zurich, the Prague Philharmonia and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. A four-night ‘Music & Opera in Hamburg’ tour marks the long-awaited opening of Hamburg’s new concert hall, the Elbphilharmonic, with departures on February 4, March 30 and June 26 and prices from £1,497 per person. Meanwhile, departing on April 10 for Berlin’s fabled Easter Festtage, the operator has put together a package from £2,289 which includes six nights’ accommodation at the five-star Ritz-Carlton located two minutes’ walk from Berliner Philharmonic, where the majority of the festival’s performances take place, with tickets for the three concerts/two operas featured in the itinerary. For more details call 020-7593 2288 or visit kirkerholidays.com

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germany

New look for MARITIM TitiseeHotel MARITIM HOTELS has completed its extensive refurbishment programme at the MARITIM TitiseeHotel. BOOSTED BY strong sales in 2016, Railtrail has strengthened its offering in Germany for next year. Of the new products, the ‘Rhine Valley Rail Roamer’, which leads in at £555 for five days, features a The Black Forest property steam excursion, a heritage diesel line, a mountain cog railway and a scenic line through the vineyards now offers a fresher and of the Ahr Valley. Alternatively, ‘Saxony Seven Steam & Rail Explorer’ leads in at £1,395 for nine days, lighter new-look lobby, with seven steam and rail experiences, plus a ride on the world’s oldest paddle steamboat fleet and while all corridors have the only tramway through one of Germany’s National Parks to the Lichtenhain Waterfall. For more information email [email protected] been re-decorated, enhancing the experience for both business and Battered Suitcase explores Germany on new heritage tours leisure guests. BATTERED SUITCASE has introduced a new Wurttemberg taking in castles, parks and Mark Spivey, director of collection of five private tours discovering gardens, museums and galleries. international sales for the Germany’s heritage and culture, including a Other tours include a discovery of Berlin hotelier, said: “The journey following in the footsteps of Martin which also takes in the nearby city of renovation and Luther to mark the 500th anniversary of the Potsdam and the parks and palaces of modernisation works are Protestant Reformation in 2017. Sanssouci, the largest World Heritage Site extensive and a significant The operator is also offering a four-day in Germany, and the summer home of investment for the company. tour to ‘Bremen and Bremerhaven’ in Frederick the Great, former King of Prussia. The elegant new lobby is Northern Germany where guests can Finally, there is a tour of Munich, famous very welcoming and experience 1,200 years of history. Once for its architecture, culture and the annual perfectly showcases the part of the Medieval Hanseatic League, Oktoberfest beer celebration, with an option exceptionally high standards Bremen has the only town hall in to spend a few days exploring the Bavarian of all our properties. A Germany still in use after 600 years, now landscapes and forests. popular hotel with business a World Heritage Site for its Prices start from approximately £399 per and leisure guests alike, it is outstanding architecture. person for the four-day ‘Bremen and essential that as Germany’s The Royal Tour discovers some of the Bremerhaven’ tour including flights from largest privately owned former German monarchs on a Royal London, three nights’ breakfast hotel hotel operator we retain our Heritage Route that visits places where accommodation, selected lunches, guided leading position within the they lived and travelled including tours and admission into attractions. global hotel industry and Hannover, Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, For more details call 0800-689 1586 or visit continue to re-invest in our the North-Rhine Westphalia and Baden- battered-suitcase.com properties to ensure they remain desirable with our German and Group flights to Germany with German Travel Centre international guests.” AGENTS LOOKING to offer their clients a way to kick-start the New Year (and any resolution The hotel features 129 to get fit) might suggest taking part in the Berlin New Year’s Day Run and enjoy a city bedrooms and suites with break at the same time. views of the lake or forest, The 2.5-mile run starts at midday by the Brandenburg Gate and goes past many of the two restaurants and two famous sites in Berlin. No registration is required, so visitors can just turn up and kids are bars, a collection of six also welcome to join in. conference rooms, a beer German Travel Centre is offering group fares to Berlin as well as Munich, providing garden and a 5000sq.m retailers with an easy way to access ski resorts that suit their clients, from all ages and lakeside meadow with abilities. Return flights to Munich start from £140 per person including taxes flying from private sun terrace. Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester. For details visit Call 020-8429 2900 or visit germantravelcentre.co.uk for more details. maritim.com for details.

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germany

New Berlin & Saxony trip by Diamond Rail DIAMOND RAIL Holidays' new 2017 brochure includes a number of new Germany itineraries, including an eight-day ‘Berlin & Classic Saxony Steam’ itinerary. As well as exploring the country’s capital city, travellers can step back in time with journeys along the Weißeritz Valley, Lößnitz Valley and Zittau Mountain steam railways, before visiting Colditz, the Second World War prisoner-of- war camp. The trip costs from £1,049 per person based on two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with Eurostar travel from London to Brussels, transfers, accommodation throughout in Berlin and Dresden, plus the services of a tour manager. For more information visit diamondrailholidays.co.uk or call 0844-544 7581.

Ffestiniog Travel steams into 2017 with new tours Berlin tops German city DESIGNED TO appeal to those with a passion breakfast, plus the services of a tour leader. breaks for SuperBreak for railways, Ffestiniog Travel has added new Alternatively, 'Trams & Trains of Northern itineraries to its 2017 Connoisseur Tours Germany’ takes a comprehensive look at the SUPERBREAK HAS reported programme to Germany. tramways and trains of Germany’s industrial that Berlin is currently its Now in its ninth year, travellers can enjoy heartland, visiting Düsseldorf, Essen, top selling German city and Dresden’s annual steam festival in the Hamburg and Bonn. This 13-night tour is urging agents to maximise company of like-minded rail enthusiasts on a includes free time to explore and ride the local earning potential on each seven-night tour which also includes journeys tram and rail systems, as well as an InterRail booking. With a range of on the Loßnitzgrundbahn narrow gauge steam pass, making independent exploration a must. flight options and add-on line, a day excursion by paddlesteamer to Departing on September 9 next year, prices attractions that can be pre- Saxon Switzerland and a visit to Mortizburg are from £1,560 including entrance to the booked with hotel Castle. Departing on April 5, the price is from museums and Miniatur Wunderland and accommodation in and £910 per person based on two sharing excursions on the Wuppertal Schwebebahn around the city, all elements including Standard Class rail travel and Drachenfels Rack Railway. are commissionable throughout, one evening meal, two-day entry For more details call 01766-772030 or visit to agents. to the festival and excursions, bed-and- ffestiniogtravel.com The operator recommends a visit to the Brandenburg Gate Museum Saga explores the magic of the Rhineland Christmas markets which opened earlier this SAGA IS embarking on a ‘Rhineland Festive Markets’ river cruise offering guests the chance year and which is now to soak up the festive atmosphere of a trio of historic cities. proving to be very popular. Regina Rheni II departs from Arnhem in The Netherlands on December 16 and sails to The museum tells more than Düsseldorf for Christmas shopping in the city. In the Marktplatz, stalls echo the style of the 300 years of Berlin’s history Renaissance city hall and craftsmen demonstrate their skills in glass-blowing and wood in a multimedia show; carving ornaments; wrought iron angels adorn huts in Little Angel Market and, on Flinger visitors can journey through Strasse, stalls resemble the city's old town houses. Little Star Market is in the Wilhelm-Marx- time with 87 high-tech Haus courtyard and the Schadowplatz is home to a wintery Scandinavian-style village and screens that show the elegant shops. revolution, the Fall of the The 154-passenger ship then sails on to Bonn for an afternoon and morning in the former Wall and the 2014 football capital of West Germany. Twinkling lights on Münsterplatz lead to the colourful market with World Cup. music, fairground rides and delicious specialty food and drinks. A package in February Cologne is next on the itinerary, where there are seven markets to discover. The Gothic 2017 costs from £194 per cathedral creates an impressive backdrop to the main market while St Nick's Village Market person including flights from and the Angel Market offer a selection of stalls. The Harbour Christmas Market has a Manchester to Berlin, three maritime theme and is close to the Chocolate Museum, which has a riverside café and shop nights at the four-star filled with sweet treats. Leonardo Hotel Berlin City Four nights cost from £449 departing on December 16 with coach travel from Folkestone West and entrance to the via Eurotunnel or P&O Ferries. Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet is also Brandenburg Gate Museum. available at a supplement. Guests can enjoy full-board accommodation, while wine, beer and For more information call soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. 0190-443 6000 or visit For details visit travel.saga.co.uk/river-cruises superbreak.com/agents

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activity&adventure

Lost Earth Adventures Abu Dhabi launches ‘Extraordinary Stories’ campaign launches Heli Biking THE ABU DHABI Tourism & Culture Authority has launched a new worldwide trips promotional campaign aimed at encouraging travellers to experience Abu Dhabi’s DESIGNED TO satisfy any ‘extraordinary stories.’ adrenaline junkie’s appetite “It tells the extraordinary story of Abu Dhabi, from its ancient past to its modern for action, Lost Earth wonders, guiding audiences through breathtaking natural environments and Adventures has introduced exhilarating experiences,” said His Excellency, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, helicopter accessed chairman of the TCA: “Every filmed moment, every photograph and word evokes the mountain bike tours poetic beauty and authenticity of the emirate, which invites travellers to become a in Nepal. part of its story.” During a seven-day heli- Following an eight-month development process, the campaign comprises biking trip, guests can commercials and videos which capture a range of authentic moments, landscapes and experience the highest emotions shot across 40 locations throughout the emirate. These include UAE capital mountains and the longest cityscapes and landmarks, nature reserves and island resorts, forts and palaces in Al rideable descent on earth. Ain, as well as the deserts and coastline of Al Gharbia. Small groups have a The campaign has been aligned to prioritise key source market channels according privately chartered to travel booking preferences, and will be run heavily in the UK after seeing in the helicopter, pilot and New Year when traveller’s minds turn to sunshine breaks. The UK remains the leading mountain guide at their European market for the destination with arrivals jumping 3% year-on-year to 164,757 disposal and once in the air, – the third highest overall. UK guests are also among those that stay the longest - can choose the face or ridge four nights on average. they want to run, from miles In other news, following the opening of the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal last of untouched downhill biking December, Celebrity Cruises will be homeporting its ship Celebrity Constellation terrain. Top of the range full there until January 2017. Included in its programme of shore excursions ‘Abu Dhabi suspension mountain bikes Adventure’, crafted by the British adventurer Ben Fogle, includes a trip to a local are provided and are fully camel farm, 4x4 dune bashing in the desert, sandboarding, camel riding and an serviced each day. Arabian-themed torch-lit desert barbecue. Accommodation is in luxury Also from this month, guests cruising the Arabian Gulf on MSC Fantasia will be able spa hotels when in to spend a day at Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island, home to the region’s largest wildlife Kathmandu and Pokhara, reserve, the Arabian Wildlife Park. and in teahouses To find out more about the campaign and to watch the new TV commercial go to whilst cycling. visitabudhabi.ae The trip runs year-round and costs from £5,000 per person depending on the Mall of America announces opening of SMAAASH group size. This includes all CHOOSING MALL of America in the Great 'America's Adrenaline Arena,' and we accommodation, helicopter Lakes as its first US location and opening look forward to providing thrilling travel, transfers and this month, SMAAASH is to offer a new entertainment to Mall of America's 40 transport for the duration of level of active entertainment with a million visitors per year.” the tour, all equipment, multi-level go-karting track and virtual- The venue will feature more than 30 flights from Kathmandu to reality experiences. gaming experiences, including a virtual Pokahara, three days’ Shripal Morakhia, chief imagination reality 'Walk the Plank', and immersive mountain biking, a fully officer for SMAAASH Entertainment, said: sports simulators where visitors can test qualified leader, porters and “SMAAASH is the best place for friends their skills in ice-hockey, basketball support staff. and family to gather and get their pulses and football. For more information go to racing with our unique offerings. The For more information about the opening lostearthadventures.co.uk or triple 'A' in Smaaash stands for visit smaaashusa.com call 01904-500094.

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activity&adventure EVER WANTED to swim like a mermaid? Dive BVI on Virgin Gorda of the British Virgin Islands has launched Mermaid Experiences to teach guests the basics of swimming with a mermaid tail and show off to the camera with cool tricks. Personalised and group sessions are available and as long as the mer-conditions are favourable, Mermaid instructors can teach anywhere with chest-deep water levels to ensure both a fun and safe experience. Prices are from £62 for a one-and-a-half hour session. Visit mermaidbvi.com

Brits opt to venture further afield for ski holidays according to Club Med report

CLUB MED’S latest winter ski report, ‘Today’s Snow Hunters: 2016/17’, reveals skiers are defying Brexit and spending on

winter holidays. The annual report, which maps the latest ski trends, reveals how many skiers are discounting any exchange-rate fears and following the snowfall instead. One in five ‘snow hunters’ now book far-flung destinations outside Europe; top of the wish-list for 61% of British skiers is America and Canada. Others are putting more unexpected winter holiday locations on their wish lists such as Japan for 20% and China at 17%, with the latter set to host the Winter Olympics in 2022. The desire from British skiers to venture further afield is also reflected in the all-inclusive holiday provider’s plans, with further expansions in the Far East including Tomamu in Japan and the recently opened Club Med Beidahu in China. Traditional European destinations still remain top of the list, which is reflected in the opening of the brand’s new resort in Samoëns in the French Alps in 2017, but up-and-coming countries like Croatia and Bulgaria are also reported to be gaining prominence. Report findings also show that today’s skiing is very much a holiday for all ages, with modern resorts catering for the 3G family; children, parents and grandparents. Some 48% of those considering skiing are aged over 45, while 25% are aged over 55. With this in mind it’s unsurprising that 68% of respondents also describe ski holidays as now more accessible to a wider demographic. Reflecting the rising popularity of wellbeing and fitness trends, British skiers today describe a ski holiday as a way for them to switch off to escape everyday life (93%) and clear the mind (86%). More than two thirds also view skiing as relaxing, and two thirds say the availability of spa and wellness facilities is important to them. With 59% of ski parties in the last two years holidaying with at least one non-skier, the report proves that today’s winter ski holiday offers more than just ski. To find out more go to clubmed.co.uk/o

Trafalgar launches new 13-day South Africa family adventure from £4,425 TRAFALGAR IS expanding its multi-generational travel offering for 2017 with the launch of a new destination and family itinerary in South Africa. Beginning with a family safari tracking the ‘Big Five’ in Kruger National Park, and finishing in Cape Town, the operator’s new 13-day ‘South African Adventure’ will venture to the southernmost tip of Africa with the chance to see ostriches, monkeys, penguins and perhaps even a glimpse of the Southern Right Whale. Guests also have the opportunity to meet and speak to children in a Cape township and see how the Amy Biehl Foundation (a ‘Join Trafalgar’ charitable initiative) is working to make a difference to their future. Prices start from £4,425 per person, with a Young Traveller Discount of £440 per child under 11 years, including 12 nights of four- and five-star hotel accommodation, 12 breakfasts, 12 dinners and nine lunches, sightseeing, a NEW FOR 2017, Tucan Travel has introduced a nine-day trek through travel director, coach transport with complimentary Wi-Fi the Romanian countryside. Departing once a month from May and and transfers. Departures begin in February and run until priced from £699 (plus flights from £50 with Blue Air), ‘Hike Romania’ will see travellers stay in local guesthouses and discover rural August 2017. villages as they hike through Bucovina and Maramures. Both regions The operator is also giving families the chance to save up have a defined style of architecture with painted monasteries in to 10% when they book early and pay in full by January 27, Bucovina and woodwork in Maramures. The price includes 2017 for Europe and South Africa itineraries. accommodation, eight breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners and the services of a local guide. Visit tucantravel.com For more information visit trafalgar.com or call 0800-533 5619.

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activity& Activities 'a la carte' with adventure Nira Alpina THIS WINTER Nira Alpina in Ranch Rider capitalises on Colorado’s adventure campaign Switzerland is allowing WITH THE Colorado Tourism Office recently announcing the launch of its Year of travellers to choose from a Summer Adventure campaign, Ranch Rider’s new 2017 brochure will be introducing menu of adrenaline-fuelled the Elk River Guest Ranch and a new tented camp at Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch, activities - on and off piste. both properties situated in the Centennial state. A new ‘A La Carte’ Located just outside of the resort town of Steamboat Springs, Elk River Guest package allows guests to Ranch backs onto the Routt National Forest. Daily rides and all day horseback practise their sun adventure are complimented by archery, hiking, fly fishing and kayaking. There is also salutations and snow angels an optional weekly pack trip where guests can camp out under the stars, experience on the mountain with the white-water rafting and visit the Steamboat Rodeo over the summer months. ‘Yoga on Snow’ activity, ski Tony Daly, managing director for the operator, said: “This latest addition to our along the frozen lake being Colorado collection is ideal for multigenerational groups. Authentic family travel is pulled by a horse with the booming and there’s definitely been a conscious move by those with kids in tow to ‘Skijoring Experience’ and experience the less familiar locations as opposed to more famous sites within their sail off a 2,468m ledge and chosen destination. paraglide over the lakes and “From that perspective, ranch holidays are in vogue: kayaking on Pearl Lake with forests of the Engadin Valley. local guides and saddling up on the all day ride to Floyd Peak with expert wranglers Nocturnal guests can are popular pursuits at the Elk River Ranch. Cookouts, campfires under the stars, live sledge down Switzerland's country music and line dancing also appeal to families in search of the real floodlit Preda-Bergün sled Western experience.” run, while thrill-seekers can Six nights from £1,759 per person and from £1,580 for those aged seven to 12 try their hand at snow-kiting including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes departing between on Lake Silvaplana - an May and October. This excludes transfers (available from Steamboat Springs), adrenaline-fuelled activity gratuities left to discretion and flights. using kite power to glide Located on the eastern wall of the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado, Zapata across the frozen lake. Cattle & Bison Ranch is also offering the chance to stay at a new tented camp in the Visit niraalpina.com/en for middle of the ranch’s 50,000 acre wild bison pasture next year. details. Call 01509-618811 or visit ranchrider.com for more information.

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activity&adventure

Travel Bulletin is published by G ADVENTURES HAS added a new ‘Volcano Adventure and Panama Highlights’ tour to its Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd portfolio of holidays for 2017. The 28-day tour includes coffee plantations in Panama, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, rainforest hikes in Costa Rica, cooking classes in Guatemala, local villages in Nicaragua London, SW1W 0EX and the white-sandy beaches of Honduras. The trip costs from £2,599 per person Tel: 020-7834 6661 excluding flights. Visit gadventures.co.uk for more information. Printed by: Buxton Press Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419 puzzleCrossword:solutions Across: Across: 1. BMI, 3. MAGALUF, 6. TAMAR, 7. LEGO, 9. WARSAW, 10. ERIE, 12. NICO, 14. HELENA, 17. PERU, 18. VILLA, 19. PREMIER, 20. TPE. @TravelBulletin Down: 1. BOTSWANA, 2. IZMIR, 3. MURRAY, 4. GULF, 5. LEGER, 8. DELAWARE, 11. DENVER, 13. CRETE, 15. EILAT, 16. FUJI. Highlighted Word: MUSCAT TravelBulletin Where Am I?: Kjeragbolten, Kjerag Mountain, Norway

We asked our staff the following question this week: What's your favourite comedy movie?

Jeanette Ratcliffe Kathryn Frost Publisher Sales Executive [email protected] [email protected] The Life of Brian Gemma Reeve Lauretta Wright Events & Sales Administrator Editor [email protected] [email protected] Meet the Parents Coming To America. Nicky Valsamakis Adam Potter Design Team Leader Editorial Assistant [email protected] [email protected] The Nice Guys Ghostbusters. Miriam Brtkova Paul Scudamore Designer Contributing Editor [email protected] [email protected] Fantomas The Life of Brian Lucia Mathurin Simon Eddolls Design Apprentice Sales Director [email protected] [email protected] The Nutty Professor Planes,Trains & Automobiles Nelly Mendes Bill Coad Production Account Manager [email protected] [email protected] Dumb and Dumber

Matt Gill Happy Birthday ! Senior Account Manager [email protected] Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East Meet the Fockers [email protected] Matthew Weinreb Hanging up his hammock for a city life in Sales Executive Bangkok, this Thailand trickster’s return to [email protected] the London office is always a welcome surprise. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The Life of Brian

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