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November 24 2017 | ISSUE NO 2,040 | travelbulletin.co.uk
AAccttiivviittyy && AAddvveennttuurree The 50-plus market is stepping up the pace
this week air travel
agent bulletin puzzle bulletin new flight routes & airline 13 france 09 11 developments 18 this week’s booking play Su Doku for the operators unveil their incentives & fam trip chance to win a £50 new programmes & offers M&S voucher deals for 2018 S01 TB 2411 2017 Start_Layout 1 21/11/2017 12:43 Page 2
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WIN ONE OF OUR 12 PRIZES OF CHRISTMAS!
In the build up to the festive period, we are giving you the opportunity to win one of 12 amazing prizes including an Amazon Echo, Playstation 4, Fortnum and Masons Hamper, and much more.
All you have to do is make as many bookings as possible between 20 November and 15 December and log your reservation numbers on our competition site!
At the end of the competition on Monday the 18th of December, 12 people will be asked to choose a number between 1 and 12. The winner will then receive one of our amazing prizes as a thank you for choosing Avis Budget Group.
The more bookings you make, the greater your chance of winning, so register now at www.competition.winwithavis.com to start!
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Ready, set, take-off....
THOMAS COOK Airlines has launched flights to Marsa Alam in Egypt from Birmingham Airport to offer customers more choice for winter and summer sun holidays. Marsa Alam’s year-round temperatures range from the mid 20s to low 30s Celsius and the world famous Elphinstone reef make it ideal for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Thomas Cook offers a choice of nine resort-based hotels along Marsa Alam’s long coastline, including the Nubian style SENTIDO Oriental Dream which has its own coral reef and private beach. The airline has also launched a weekly flight to Cape Verde from Birmingham, which runs through to April. Pictured marking the new announcements are, from the left: Nicki Atkins, Thomas Cook in Rugeley; Tom Screen, Birmingham Airport; Louise Arscott and Matt Morgan, Thomas Cook Airlines; and Liz O'Brien, Thomas Cook in Birmingham Bullring.
New survey reveals how different generations research and buy holidays HOLIDAY SHOPPERS spend three hours reading online Brits who research on desktop compared to 20% using content before committing to a trip according to new smartphones and tablets. findings from Teads. The research also reveals the impact of video ads in The study analyses the online behaviour of more than driving consumer action, with two thirds of consumers 2,000 UK consumers to reveal how they research and book (65%) taking some kind of action after seeing one. More holidays as well as the factors that influence their than a third (36%) have searched online after seeing an ad, purchase. With Brits spending 10% of their salaries on 25% checked out reviews online and 21% clicked on the ad. leisure travel, nearly £2,300 for a family holiday, this is a Personalisation is key to compelling video ads - almost a huge market for travel brands to tap into. third of Brits (28%) prefer video ads with personalised The research reveals Gen Z are turning away from recommendations and nearly half (46%) are willing to share smartphones for research, with this generation most likely personal data in order to receive bespoke destination to use their laptop for holiday research (65%) in comparison recommendations – this rises to half of millennials (52%) with smartphone devices (24%). This contrasts to 53% of all and Gen Z (50%). Consumers say interactive video ads would help them make decisions about their holiday, with a third (32%) keen to explore destinations further through 360º video. One in
This week continued on next page
Air Transat
- news bulletin briefing conference update new Teads research reveals how news & views from we report from TTNG conference in
Inset we buy holidays Advantage Monaco 03 10 16
notes from normanton puzzle bulletin france find out what Sandy has been up to play Su Doku for the chance to win a operators unveil their new
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- lately £50 M&S voucher programmes & deals for 2018 08 11 18 Main
: agent bulletin air travel activity & adventure new booking incentives & offers just a round-up of new flight routes & the 50-plus market is ‘getting their 09 for you 13 airline developments 20 skates on’ Cover Pictures
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newsbulletin David Arcifa, senior digital marketing manager at MSC continued from previous page Cruises, said: “The goal for us was to raise brand six (16%) would also be interested in being able to ask awareness and consideration with a special focus on our chatbots questions before making purchases – rising to a ship, MSC Magnifica, based in Southampton from 2018. quarter (23%) of millennials. Thanks to the conversational bots, we have been able to Brands are already using chatbots to successfully build authentic relationships with potential customers, engage customers online. As an example, MSC Cruises behaving like a personal online consultant that could reply integrated chabots into its outstream video ads this year to to specific questions related to our itineraries, food drive more leads to its website. experiences or entertainment on-board.” Aldemar’s ‘Elements’ concept to be extended in 2018 ALDEMAR RESORTS, a leading hotel chain in Louisiana welcomes Greece, reports year-on-year increases from new operators UK visitors across all its resorts. THE LOUISIANA OFFICE of They include eight deluxe and first class Tourism reports that it is hotels, four in Crete, two in Rhodes and two attracting new UK in West Peloponnese, as well as two world operators in anticipation class Thalasso Spa Centres, one in Crete at of increased demand the Royal Mare and the other in the next year. Peloponnese at the Royal Olympian. The launch of Following the introduction of the Elements Norwegian’s flights to all-inclusive this summer gone, the brand Mandy Kalliontzi, sales director of Aldemar Resorts, welcomes visitors at WTM earlier this month. Austin from March next reports that the majority of UK guests are now year will help to boost opting for this enhanced package, rather than types of travellers have identified what we accessibility to the region bed-and-breakfast or half-board. offer that best suits their style of holidays and and, due to the carrier’s The company’s vice-president, Alexandros love of all things stylish and Greek. low fares, will also help Angelopoulos, said: “This new lifestyle “Bookings for 2018 are very healthy already drive bookings from Brits concept reflects our understanding of and we look forward to a further increase to seeking affordable holidays traveller’s wishes and the demand for five- further cement our UK market share.” in long-haul destinations. star luxury on an all-inclusive basis. The Elements package includes This is in addition with “Increasingly, people are living healthier, accommodation; fine dining choices including British Airways recently more active lives and they want to continue customised, healthy gourmet menus, branded expanded service into New this on holiday. The numbers reflect the alcoholic drinks and cocktails at the six Orleans, now operating popularity of this type of all-inclusive and as restaurants in the hotel; a one-day Thalasso five times a week direct a result we will be extending the package with three treatments; Hamman and from Heathrow. Elements all-inclusive to some of our other sauna fitness programmes with fitness BA Holidays, which has hotels in 2018.” trainers; yoga; Pilates; watersports; Nordic been offering packages to Mandy Kalliontzi, the company’s sales walking, tennis and squash. New Orleans, is expanding director, said: “We are very happy that UK For further information see aldemar- to the rest of Louisiana visitors love our products and that different resorts.gr next year, while luxury travel operator, Original Travel, is also set to offer packages to the state. Offering advice to agents on selling the destination, Anne Klenke, tourism director of Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, said: “If clients have been and done the US’ big cities and are looking to experience real destinations, then they’ll love exploring the Deep South. “We’ve got the food, the IN THE BAG…Elaine Cox from music and a non-stop Destina Travel in Stourbridge calendar of festivals and was the winner of Sandos events for them to enjoy. Hotels & Resorts' recent It’s a destination for competition in association with Travel Bulletin. Elaine outdoor adventures won a Sandos branded cabin and meeting friendly, case by entering the genuine people.” competition at travelbulletin.co.uk
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A new chapter for Daytona Beach WITH NEARLY US$2billion invested in new renovations and construction, Daytona Beach’s developments will make for a more exciting holiday experience for visitors in 2018. A Marriott Autograph JAMAICAN ME SMILE…Sandals took a group of 16 agents to Jamaica for a fam trip, staying at Sandals Collection hotel will open South Coast, Beaches Negril, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Ochi Beach, as well as enjoying next year in ONE DAYTONA, visits to Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Negril, Sandals Royal Plantation and Beaches Ocho Rios. a multi-million dollar Pictured are, from the left: Catherine Lornie, The Travel Company Edinburgh; Catrina Sherrin, Sodexo premier mixed-use retail, Travel and Business; Teresa Roland, Not Just Travel; Irene Holland, Go Travel; Stephanie Cutler, Holiday Jet Setting; Faye Shepherd and Lisa-Marie Wells, Sandals Resorts UK; Jane Kolowski, Fred dining and entertainment Olsen Travel; Ian Fleming, Not Just Travel; Ryan Speakman, Got 2 Go Travel; Charlotte Wilson, Blue complex being built across Bay Travel; Abbey Adcock, Barhead Travel; Elaine Emery, Elaines Travel; Stuart Abbott, Paradise from Daytona International Dreams; Della Rendell, Global Independent Travel; Kimberly Robertson, Your Way Travel/Blue Bay Speedway, now the world’s Travel. only motorsports stadium after a $400million Two & three-day inclusive coach reimagining project. RSSC names new ship Hard Rock International breaks on sale from £135 with REGENT SEVEN Seas has also announced that Newmarket Holidays Cruises has announced the construction of its new name of its new ship, NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS has gone on sale with coach- Daytona beachfront hotel, scheduled for delivery in inclusive breaks to see the China’s First Emperor and the and fourth property in the first quarter of 2020. Terracotta Warriors exhibition which will take place in Florida, is scheduled for The second Explorer- Liverpool’s World Museum in 2018. completion in December. class ship, named The company will offer coach-inclusive breaks that The 200-room hotel will Splendor, will have a gross include admission to the exhibition, free time to explore feature brand exclusive tonnage of 55,254 and Liverpool, plus bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a offerings and will include capacity for 750 guests. centrally located hotel in the city. an expansive swimming Jason Montague, the The exhibition features more than 180 spectacular pool and deck with line's president and CEO, artefacts from museums across Shaanxi Province – more panoramic views of the said: “The extraordinary than half of which have never been on show in the UK Atlantic Ocean, all-day demand for Seven Seas before. Visitors will come face to face with the extraordinary dining, 24-hour in-room Explorer has reinforced Terracotta Warriors, including a life-size terracotta horse, dining, a grab-and-go our decision to expand our as well as other objects from the First Emperor Qin Shi coffee shop and a poolside fleet and Seven Seas Huang’s vast burial complex. bar and grill. Splendor will offer guests Richard Forde, the company's head of trade sales, said: “The The new additions, a fifth option that will exhibition itself promises to be extraordinary – the Terracotta combined with the provide unforgettable Army is often high up on everyone’s ‘must-see’ list. destination’s eclectic experiences in the world’s "Our customers have a strong interest in history and culinary scene, unique most compelling culture, so it’s fitting that the exhibition is being held in attractions and year-round destinations, with the Liverpool as home to one of the oldest Chinese cultural calendar of events, incredibly high standards communities in Europe, and where there is so much to do. makes it one to watch for of luxury and service that Our coach-inclusive breaks make it easy to attend ‘in travellers considering a lure guests back again demand events’ as we can guarantee tickets to the holiday to Florida in the and again.” exhibition and take the hassle out of visiting a large city near future. For details see rssc.com on your own.”
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newsbulletin Arena Rail calls for agents to get on board ARENA RAIL HOLIDAYS are on the hunt for independent agents to work closely with them in 2018 as 'brand champions'. Following the launch of Arena Rail Holidays (formerly Diamond Rail Holidays) earlier in the year, the company has reported good progress, with a full programme of tours now available for 2018 including THE CHASE IS ON...Alix Murray (left) from Stewart Travel celebrates winning the top prize at Travel several new itineraries. 2’s 'The Chase is on to Atlantis' event of a holiday a year for three years thanks to Emirates and The company's managing Atlantis, The Palm. She is joined by Catherine Dorsett (middle) from Colchester Travel who won a place on the operator's fam trip to Atlantis, The Palm and Andrea Keeble, sales manager from director, Steve Goodenough, Kerzner International. said: "We are delighted with the response to Arena Rail Holidays so far. In Greece is the word as GNTO relays results of tourism strategy September alone, sales were THE GREEK NATIONAL Tourism packages and connectivity; promoting 45% up compared to the Organisation recently provided an update new Greek destinations and developing Diamond Rail Holidays on the latest developments within the thematic tourism products and new travel figures for the same period destination - and the progress it has experiences; and attracting new last year, and forward made since its inception of a new long- investments. The results of these bookings for 2018 are term tourism strategy. implementations are reportedly already looking strong too. Now we Elena Kountoura, Greece’s minister of being seen. are keen to develop the the tourism, said: “With its unique Kountoura said: “From the UK we brand's profile within the branding and long standing tradition in estimate that almost three million British trade, especially to forge hospitality, Greece is set to become a tourists prefer our country for their stronger links with global and attractive 365 destination. We vacation. We are very pleased to see a independent agents who can now promote all the authentic one-of-a- continuous growth from the UK, one of see the value of this niche kind travel experiences that Greece is able our two main traditional markets, and in but rapidly growing market." to offer year-round and simultaneously 2017 arrivals continued to grow strongly. Agents are invited to shape our future for sustainable tourism “With a goal for tourism 365 days a make contact with the team growth in future years.” year, the ministry of tourism is with a view to working Tourism was noted as a top priority for implementing its national and regional closely together in 2018 as a the Greek government thanks to its tourist policy in close co-operation with pro-active partner of the recent emergence as an engine for local administrative regions across brand, receiving in return a growth to the nation’s economy. This led Greece with the aim of turning Greece range of benefits such as to the implementation of the national into an exemplary year-round destination enhanced training, fam trips tourist policy in 2015 which focused on focusing on preserving the rich natural and support for joint five strategy pillars, including the and cultural heritage while engaging marketing projects. extension of the official summer season actively with the local community creating For more information email from March to November in several new jobs and new tourism activity, [email protected] destinations; reasserting its presence in promoting sustainability and prosperity m and see arenatravel.com traditional markets; increasing tourist for all.”
Experience the richness of Peru in new tourism campaign PERU’S TOURISM body, PROMPERÚ, its ancient history, adventure, nature and has unveiled its new international culture. The campaign’s promotional film marketing campaign - ‘Peru, the richest will be rolled out via digital and social country in the world’. media advertising, with teaser trailers to The campaign embraces a new entice viewers to watch the full concept for the term ‘wealth’ and works inspirational video. to re-imagine what ‘being rich’ is really The goal of the campaign is to further about by building on the current trend position the country as a multifaceted seen in travel where more value is being and diverse destination where wealth is placed on fulfilling travel experiences. measured in experience, discovery and The marketing campaign is presented happiness and is part is part of a long For more information visit in the form of a documentary-style film term international tourism promotion perutherichestcountry.com or go to following Peru’s ‘trail of riches’ including strategy which originally began in 2008. peru.travel
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Funway Holidays adds new fly-drive options & hotels to 2018 USA brochure FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has issued its 2018 USA brochure spanning North America, covering holidays from this month, through to December 31, 2018. This latest brochure features a range of tailor-made US holidays, from multi-centre journeys and self-drive tours, through to motorhome, rail, ranch and motorcycle experiences and escorted touring adventures. Highlights of the new 148-page brochure include a new selection of New York City Hotels; additional hotels in Miami and Fort Lauderdale; a new fly/drive holiday in the form of the ‘Nevada Road Trip’ from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, with prices from £1,199 per person; Orlando Villas offered in a new selection of communities, plus Disney area Townhome options. Malcolm Davies, product destination manager for the operator, said: “Widening our supplier partnerships in the USA has allowed us to expand our product portfolio still further and present our travel agent partners with an unrivalled selection of hotels, tours and services for our customers. “The USA still represents great value for money and offers such a wide range of holiday types to suit all travellers. We always seek to provide the best value and quality for our customers – hence the reason for keeping our range of hotels and products under review and regularly updated. “Special focus has been placed on Nevada within the new brochure, to satisfy both the adventure seeker wanting to kayak in downtown Reno and brave the world’s highest outdoor climbing wall to the traveller seeking cultural activities, from exploring ancient Native American cultures to discovering the beauty of its desert and national parks.” Prices start from £725 per person including a seven-day, twin-centre holiday to Washington DC combined with Boston, staying three nights in both destinations in three-star accommodation, including flights from London. Travel is based on a departure date in February 2018. Visit funway4agents.co.uk for more information.
New trade website from Brand USA aims to offer one-stop gateway for agents BRAND USA has announced the the importance of the travel trade and the Brand USA Trip Kit, a helpful launch of a new trade website to offer we’ve taken detailed measures to resource for USA travel inspiration and a comprehensive, one-stop gateway create a website that truly reflects the information, including suggested for travel industry professionals industry’s needs, interests and itineraries (beginning in key gateway looking to better sell the US. desires. cities and expanding out to explore Readily accessible from all mobile “The travel trade continues to play a additional destinations) and devices with intuitive navigation, the significant role in driving international destination photos; expanded website will offer creative and up-to- visitors to, though, and beyond corporate calendar highlighting the date content. America’s gateways. This new digital organisation's activities and signature It is projected to go live in January development will enable us to better events up to five years in advance; 2018 and will bring a number of useful connect with, and provide an engaging information and advice on visiting the trade resources, which are currently platform for, all travel industry US, including an overview of travel spread across Brand USA’s consumer professionals.” policies; expanded directory of and corporate websites, into a single, The new site will feature mobile- receptive tour operators; and a new stand-alone space. optimised, responsive design to ‘USA Trip Planner’ tool. Cathy Domanico, the organisation's enhance user experience across a full The website can be accessed from vice president, global trade spectrum of devices, including tablets January by visiting development, said: “We understand and smart phones; Direct access to visittheusa.com/traveltrade
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newsbulletin Atlantis, Paradise Island evolves with distinct hotel propositions IN AN evolution of the brand, the Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas has launched five distinct hotel propositions each designed to appeal to an individual target audience. Each hotel has undergone a transformation, complete with a new-look logo and a clearly defined property description that underpins the unique mood, style and personality that each embodies. Notes from The Beach at Atlantis (formerly Atlantis Beach Tower) is the resort’s entry level proposition with spacious rooms ideal for value-minded families or couples who want full Normanton... access to the resort’s facilities and offers an uncomplicated, pared down option. Following an extensive US$21million refurbishment programme, The Coral at Atlantis (formerly The Coral Towers) offers a family-friendly, four-star holiday experience with ell a legend is leaving the travel industry contemporary spacious rooms, of which a high percentage are in January – Graham Balmforth is retiring! queen-queen configuration and a new pool experience. WHe has been in the industry 40 years, with Royal at Atlantis (formerly The Royal Towers) offers a strong 23 of them at Superbreak (beat you by 1 year oceanic theme and access to ‘The Dig’ and marine exhibits, Graham - I’ve now clocked up 41 years!) and home to more than 50,000 marine animals, to immerse guests everyone will agree with me when I say that in the beauty of the ocean. Graham is a ‘one off’. He has a great sense of The Cove at Atlantis is the resort’s chic luxury option, humour and those of you who attended Advantage offering a sophisticated retreat with oversized luxury junior conferences will know the one table on the ‘Dine suites and suites and The Cove Pools which have a chilled out Around’ that everyone wanted to be on was the music policy and a choice of 21 luxury cabanas. Superbreak table! The double act of Graham and The Reef, Atlantis is the resort’s residential luxury option Ian Mounser (who sadly died in 2015) was better with a choice of spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom than any show on TV, and when they roped other suites. Each studio has a kitchenette bar, while suites feature people into the act it was even better - he could full home-from-home kitchens for families who want the easily go into the entertainment industry! I (and I flexibility to enjoy a casual breakfast or dine in their own suites. am sure everyone else) would like to wish Graham Karen Cruitt, the company’s vice president for leisure sales, an absolutely fantastic retirement, filled with said: “The launch of our distinct hotel propositions is a truly happy and wonderful moments. exciting time for the resort. This year marks a year of huge I had my cardio version – I think Sheffield change for Atlantis; we moved to enhance the guest experience Northern General Hospital are great - especially by focusing on the heritage and culture of The Bahamas and the cardio dept. It was funny when the anaesthetist supporting the local community to nurture and promote said I might need some after sun cream after my Bahamian creativity. cardio version. I thought no more about it until “We are now evolving our hotel product to offer guests a during the night my back and chest were itching targeted holiday option. Each hotel proposition is clearly aimed like mad from the ‘burn’ marks from the pads, I at a different audience segment which we know will aid selling was like that bear on the TV trying to scratch its and ensure holiday choice at Atlantis is an easy one.” back on a tree, except I was using the bedroom For more information visit atlantisbahamas.com door! Here’s a tip for anyone living on their own and needs to put cream on their back: use a spatula from the kitchen, works a treat. I’m desperate for some sun and heat, so I’m looking at Gambia to go away to for a week. So by the time you read this I might be on my way to the sun - I will let you know where I end up! ‘Happiness isn’t about getting what you want all the time, it’s about loving what you have and being grateful for it’ and ‘The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do’.
by SANDRA MURRAY PARTY ROCK...Gerry Yiatrou from Freedom Travel & Cruise in Normanton, Yorkshire Oldham celebrates winning the ‘Rock, Shop & Recover’ Gold Medal campaign. Gerry plus a guest will be whisked off to Las Vegas to To respond to any ‘rock’ at a concert of their choice, ‘shop’ with $1,000 spending of Sandy’s comments email money and ‘recover’ with $200 spa credit. The prize also includes flights with Virgin Atlantic and five nights’ accommodation at The [email protected] Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
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Booking incentives
G Manchester airport has launched its Fancy a fam? biggest trade incentive to mark its forthcoming 80th birthday, offering agents who book flights and holidays BRAND USA, in partnership with American from Manchester the chance to win one Airlines and British Airways, has announced of five Minis and 250 bottles of Nashville as the finale city where the next champagne. agents will be divided into Brand USA UK & Ireland MegaFam will five areas – scotland, northern ireland, culminate on May 3, 2018. With an agent Wales, Birmingham and above, and below capacity of 100, the MegaFam – a multi- Birmingham, with one Mini up for grabs destination fam tour of seven groups for in each location. one booking will travel agents from the UK and Ireland – equal one entry into the incentive, takes place from April 26 to May 4, 2018. which runs until november 16, 2018. For details see Agents will be able to win a place on mega manchesterairport.co.uk/travel-trade fam by booking American Airlines and British Airways flights to the US during the G scenic and emerald Waterways’ agent entry period starting from December 1 incentive, sell three, sail Free!, runs until March 23, 2018. To qualify, agents must until the end of this month and offers also earn a number of USA specialist badges agents a free eight-day european river on the official agent training site, cruise when they sell three scenic or usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk emerald Waterways river cruises before the end of november. For details see riverrewards.cruises
G avis Budget group has launched a ‘twelve prizes of christmas’ incentive on its agent portal site ‘Beep’. running until december 15, agents making a booking for either avis or Budget rental cars on the portal (for rentals picked up through to december 31), can enter the prize draw via competition.winwithavis.com. prizes on offer include a Fortnum and Mason party drinks hamper; theatre tickets; sketch afternoon tea with champagne for two; gift cards and shopping vouchers; and tech treats. the draw will be made on december 18. For details see abgbeep.com
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Industry Insight by...
David Moon, head of business development at Advantage, looks to 2018 & how agents can prepare for the busy peaks period…
IT WON’T be too long before we will be saying goodbye only relevant to people who are relatively new to the to 2017 and hello 2018. Where did the year go? industry. However, I have attended two events We all know how important it is to get the trading recently where I have heard very similar feedback year off to a good start during the busy ‘peaks’ season with comments being along the lines of “I didn't and for retail travel, as we go through the quieter learn anything new but it reminded me of what I November and December months, we know this is the should be doing”. calm before the storm - we hope. This underlines a very important point; regardless of The importance of the peak selling period has made how long you have been in the industry or in a us look very carefully at the training plans we put in particular role, workshops and training events will place for our members always provide the at Advantage. "...regardless of how long you opportunity to learn Over the last few weeks something new or at the very we have run a number of have been in the industry or in a least provide timely social media workshops reminders of how things with Bruce from Ginger particular role, workshops and should or could be Juice and the feedback we training events will always done better. have had from these has That's the reason why been good. Over the coming provide the opportunity to learn top sportsmen and women weeks we are running a have coaches; they need to series of workshops called something new or at the very be reminded regularly our ‘Frontliners’ being held least provide timely reminders of about doing the good things around the country. in their discipline to reach No prizes for guessing how things should or could be the very pinnacle of their that these are aimed at done better." sport. It’s the same for the frontline sales staff every industry. within our members businesses; the crucial I hope the delegates attending our Frontliners event customer interface that can mean the difference will come away with at least three things they could be between a sale and a happy customer or no sale! doing better to help the business they work for. To help us deliver this training we have enlisted the 2018 is shaping up to be a very challenging year with help of Reality Training, who will bring their own lots of regulation changes so making the most of every unique style and content to what will be a hugely opportunity from a sales perspective will be more enjoyable and fun day of learning. crucial than ever. I hope that over the next few weeks These are just two of the ways we are looking to you will have chance to reflect on what's worked well in support members as they start to prepare themselves 2017 and to plan how you can make 2018 even bigger for this crucial booking period. and better. It’s easy to think that these types of events are Happy Selling!
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puzzlebulletin Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in thetravel bulletinSu Doku prize puzzle Where Am I?
Number: 045 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, November 30th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. Dominating the skyline from its position on the Castle Rock, The winner for 11th November is Keith Hardwick, The this historic fortress houses the Honours (Crown Jewels), the Leisure Traveller in Coventry. Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the November 11th Solution: A=6 B=2 C=3 D=7 One O' Clock Gun and country’s National War Museum.
Crossword Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares. Across Down 1. Thomas Cook brand, specialising in Greece 1. TV chef exploring Country House Secrets on and Turkey (5) BBC (4,5) 3. Popular city break destination (5) 2. River in Western Australia, sounds like a 5. Symbol for the star sign Aries (3) waterbird (4) 7. Sussex castle, seat of the Duke of Norfolk (7) 3. Thailand's largest island (6) 9. Indonesian island (4) 4. Solent operator, ___ Funnel (3) 10. American actor, Johnny (4) 6. Historic island in the Med (5) 13. Major car hire company (4) 8. According to the movie, film stars don't die in 14. Airline alliance (4) this city (9) 16. Flows through China (7) 11. Spider-Man's alter-ego, ___ Parker (5) 18. South American city, in short (3) 12. Tourist centre near Lisbon, famed for its 19. Portinatx is a picturesque resort on this castles and palaces (6) island (5) 15. Scottish loch (4) 20. Capital of South Korea (5) 17. Norwich airport code (3)
For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I?
Number: 045 Number: Please see page 22
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Vietnam Airlines drives tourism to Thua Thien Hue VIETNAM AIRLINES and The People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province have joined together in a partnership to help drive tourism to the historic region. Over the next four years, both partners will collaborate on a EMIRATES HAS unveiled completely refreshed interiors for its Boeing 777 aircraft, including its new programme of activities, First Class private suites. With floor to ceiling sliding doors and design features inspired by the including international Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the airline’s new fully-enclosed private suites each offer up to 40sq.ft of tourism, cultural, arts and personal space and are laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration. From First Class through to the Business and sports events; global sales Economy Class cabins, along the walkways, in the washrooms and galleys, the latest Emirates 777 aircraft boasts a multi-million dollar upgrade that includes newly-designed seats and upgraded and media familiarisation inflight entertainment systems in all cabins. trips; and participation in international travel fairs. The airline will also ‘Experience the Heart of the Filipino’ with Philippine Airlines explore the feasibility of increasing flight frequency PHILIPPINE AIRLINES has launched ‘Experience the Heart of the Filipino,’ a global brand and new routes to Hue. campaign designed to introduce travellers to the airline’s enhanced product and services. Currently, direct flights The campaign has been timed ahead of the airline’s resumption of daily flights from to Hue from Hanoi and Ho Heathrow to Manila on December 6 on the new B777-300ER aircraft and aims to build Chi Minh City are operated awareness amongst non-Filipino flyers that the airline’s in-flight experience matches that by Vietnam Airlines with a of the best of Filipino culture: hospitality, warmth and total care. Working alongside the frequency of three to four Philippines Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board, ‘Experience the flights a day. Heart of the Filipino’ also aims to inspire travellers with the natural attractions of the For further information Philippines – accessed via the airline’s domestic routes - as well as highlighting the visit vietnamairlines.com airline’s inter-connectivity across Asia, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Go to philippineairlines.com for more information. New routes announced at LLA welcomes 1.4 million passengers in October LONDON LUTON AIRPORT (LLA) Sun Express has increased its shops and restaurants in the recorded another record month in number of destinations from one to terminal. Noting the need for October, welcoming more than 1.4 four, including routes to Antalya and improved public transport links to million passengers representing an Ankara. El Al will also be running an make it quicker and easier for increase of 3% from last year and additional flight to Tel Aviv every travellers to use the airport, LLA is the airport’s 43rd consecutive month Sunday throughout the winter, until calling for an express-style rail of growth. March 2018. service from central London. As the airport continues to add To meet continued demand from Nick Barton, CEO of the airport, more passengers, it is expanding its passengers, the airport is currently said: “It is an exciting time for us. We route network to cater to business investing more than £150 million in a continue to welcome more travellers, and leisure travel. So far in 2017, 22 redevelopment project which will introduce new routes and improve new routes have been added, with the increase annual capacity by 50% to the experience we give passengers airport now offering more than 130 18 million passengers by 2020. as they pass through the airport. We destinations across Europe, Asia and Construction is already underway are very pleased that our airlines are Africa. The latest additions include and delivering an improved expanding their offering and we are Thomas Cook announcing it will fly to experience for passengers once they looking forward to welcoming more eight new destinations next summer, are in the airport, including an passengers whether they are including Palma, Dalaman and Corfu. enlarged security hall and a variety of travelling for business or pleasure.”
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airtravel Manchester Airport lounges have a refresh LATAM launches new MANCHESTER AIRPORT’S four Escape #escapelounge, can see their own Lounges have re-opened following a Instagram photos displayed for a short gastronomic concept brand refresh with new colour period of time. THIS MONTH, LATAM Airlines schemes and menu designs and now Beth Brewster, executive vice launched a new gastronomic offering completely all-inclusive food president for lounges at the airport, concept in its economy cabins on and beverage options provided by said: “Since opening our first Escape long-haul flights. MAG’s in house staff. Lounge in 2000 their popularity has The airline will offer a selection of Items that used to be paid upgrade risen with our passengers. We have main dishes with increased portion options, including hot breakfasts, taken this opportunity to give our sizes, presented on innovative serving premium beers and spirits, and hot Manchester lounges a revamp that trays designed with built-in plates to meat and vegetarian main dishes, are should make them an even more provide a more comfortable dining now available for the single-entry price. enjoyable space for passengers to use experience. New menus will be The lounges also feature new before they jet away.” served to an average of 14,000 ‘Instagram walls’ where passengers Prices start from £25 per person. passengers on 64 flights each day, tagging the lounge in their post, with For more information visit filtering throughout the company's
@escapelounges or the hashtag manchesterairport.co.uk entire international network by the end of 2017. Plaza Premium Lounge now open in Heathrow T5 The new menus will provide economy class passengers with a new A NEW PLAZA Premium Lounge has opened for travellers in London and varied inflight dining experience, Heathrow Terminal 5. providing three options for lunch or Aimed at both business and leisure travellers, it is the first lounge in the dinner and two breakfast choices. 300 terminal for the group and completes a full set of Plaza Premium Lounges in all new dishes of Latin American, Heathrow terminals – with lounges already operational in Terminals 2, 3 and 4. international and vegetarian cuisine Prices start from £40 for two hours’ lounge access including a fully tended will be rolled out across the airline’s bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, fresh seasonal hot and network, ranging from ‘slow cooked cold food from the buffet and high-speed Wi-Fi. Lounge users can avail rump of beef with truffle mash themselves of shower facilities to refresh for the next stage of their journey, potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and and take advantage of plenty of comfortable seats, work stations and charging grilled asparagus’ to ‘American outlets, with international newspapers and magazines. pancakes with strawberries and The new lounge is located in a quiet corner of Terminal 5, close to cranberry compote.’ departure gate A7, and is open daily from 05:00 to 22:00 and travellers can For more information visit book in advance or walk in on the day. The lounges are commissionable to the latam.com trade, sold primarily through Holiday Extras.
Oman Air offers through fares with Flybe
BUILDING ON the success of Oman Air’s double daily
flights from Heathrow and its new daily flight launched
from Manchester Airport in May earlier this year, Oman Air is now working with Flybe to offer through fares from regional airports via both hubs, plus one via Paris. Travellers can be booked onto through fares from the regional UK airports of Aberdeen, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Southampton, and Birmingham. This means that travellers will be able to fly from their local airport to Oman’s capital of Muscat without the hassle of having to check their bags
in for a second time. Guests will also have the option to take advantage of the network to more than 30 destinations that Oman Air flies to from Muscat. Simon Cook, country manager UK & Ireland for the airline said: “The success of our London and Manchester routes demonstrates the growing popularity of Oman as both a holiday and business travel destination. We are delighted to now be offering through fares with Flybe as we are always striving to give our AIR TRANSAT has unveiled its new livery as part of its 30th customers more choice and flexibility. We are confident anniversary celebrations. The new look was unveiled last week at that working with Flybe to offer the new fares will the Canadian carrier’s facilities at Montréal–Trudeau airport and cement the special connection we have built with the UK the first aircraft with the new livery – an Air Transat Airbus A330 – touched down in the UK for the first time last Friday at Gatwick. over the last ten years.” The airline flies year round from Gatwick, Manchester and The airline is currently engaged in an expansion Glasgow to destinations across Canada, including Toronto, programme which will see it operate 70 aircraft to Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, and offers a summer service approximately 75 destinations by 2023. from Dublin. For further information visit omanair.com
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airtravel
In a series of features that focus on different airlines, we take a closer look at...
MAIN HUB(S): AGENT PERKS/TRAINING/FAM TRIPS: Madrid OTT training programme (www.aireuropaexperts.com) quarterly price draw of NO. OF DESTINATIONS/COUNTRIES a LifeStyle voucher worth £100, Agents competitions SERVED: and incentives such as O2 Experience (Dinner +VIP Palco Show at the O2), Gaucho Vouchers (Argentinian 53 Cities in America - 20 routes operated by Air Europa Restaurant), two to three Fam Trips a year. 33 Codeshare 60 European cities -33 routes operated by Air Europa NEW ROUTE DEVELOPMENTS/PLANS 27 Codeshare FOR 2017/18: NO. OF AIRCRAFT: •San Pedro Sula (Honduras) April 2017 •Recife (Brazil) 20th December 2017 40 •Venice (Italy) 2018 AIRCRAFT TYPES: INCREASE IN FREQUENCIES: Embraer 190, Boeing 737, Boeing 787, MONTEVIDEO, from the 18/12/17 there will be four Airbus 330, ATR 72 weekly services for passengers travelling to this destination. CODE-SHARE AGREEMENTS: SAN PEDRO SULA, will continue with a weekly service AeroMexico, Delta, Avianca Brazil, Aerolineas Argentinas, throughout 2018. Etihad, Korean Airlines, Saudia Airlines, Alitalia SAN JUAN, will continue with two weekly flights throughout 2018 except from the 10/01/18 to the NAMES OF CLASSES: 15/03/18. Economy class and Business class CORDOBA (Arg.), from April 2018 the route Asuncion – Cordoba will be operated by a 787-8 and frequency DETAILS OF SEAT PITCH IN will increase to 6 flights per week from the 01/06/18. ECONOMY/BUSINESS CLASS: GUAYAQUIL, from the 01/06/18 to the 30/09/18 there will be 5 weekly services to this destination, it will be 31. 1 Inches reduced to 3 from October 2018. 80 Inches FLEET DEVELOPMENT NEWS: AIRLINE'S MAIN USPS: • 8 new 787 – 800 Dreamliners (Bogota, •One of the youngest fleets in the continent with Miami, Lima, Havana, Buenos Aires, Santo an average age of 3.5 years Domingo, Tel Aviv) •Smooth connecting Hub in Madrid Terminal T1 •2 new 787 – 900 arriving beginning 2018 •New fully flat Business Class seats (Buenos Aires) • Dedicated Agent support team based in London • 12 new Dreamliners by 2022 •One of the most punctual airlines in the world •EMAS certificate for sustainable development RESERVATIONS NUMBER: of European commission 0871-423 0717 •The Spanish airline with the most security and maintenance certificates UK CONTACT: ALLIANCE MEMBER: 0871-423 0717 SkyTeam WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.aireuropa.com FREQUENT FLYER/LOYALTY SCHEME: SUMA
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conferenceupdate The Travel Network Group held ‘The Power Of You’ conference in Monaco earlier this week, to bring members up to date with its progress during the last 18 months, what it has in store for 2018 and to learn from inspirational keynote speakers… Are you a sponge Planning for the future & unlocking your full potential or a rock? KEYNOTE SPEAKER, Sir THE POWER Of You conference, which saw group’s membership for 2017 was around Clive Woodward, revealed 505 delegates attend and a total of 70 £125,000 and, with new developments stories from his time as business partners, was the group’s biggest planned, membership in 2018 is valued at England rugby coach to date. around £165,000 – more than a 30% manager and director of CEO Gary Lewis told delegates: “We as increase across 18 months. sport for Olympic GB, independent travel agents and tour operators The consortium also announced that it is telling delegates that have been told for years that the world is launching a new initiative called Cluster ‘great teams are made of changing around us, and asking if we are Meetings, where like-minded members, great individuals’. relevant. We absolutely are relevant and The who either work in a specific field or want He said: “In order to Power Of You theme is all about unlocking to help develop a specific area of travel, are have a great team, you your power.” invited to meet. The first meeting will be need to first look at Lisa Hemming, the group’s membership held on March 1 in London and will centre people’s ‘teachability’ – services director, outlined how the group around luxury travel. their ability to take on new has been adding value for members over TTNG has also given its Honeycomb brand knowledge. You’ve got the last 18 months. a facelift; the system has been rebranded and either a sponge or a rock She said: “We have delivered 8,249 will be unveiled by the end of next week. between your ears. If an engagements visits, calls and meetings with Other developments include introducing a individual has a sponge, it members. We’ve attended 54 regional new business development manager role for means they have a real meetings and we’ve supported 184 in-store new to travel members; and a mystery thirst for knowledge. member events. We’ve also had 446 shopper option, available to members as part “If there’s a secret to applications from potential new members and of their membership from next year. great teamwork, it’s great welcomed 252 new members this year so far. From a marketing perspective, Si Morris- individuals and if you’ve “Although we’d like to welcome all of those Green – the group’s marketing director – got a team working at their 446 applications, we have to ensure that outlined plans for the group’s 2018 strategy. optimum level, the members are right for the group and that they He said: “We are launching a new video- teamwork kicks in very don’t risk or devalue your brands in any way. based website on November 30, which is easily. I make a huge effort We also have the right products to support you focused on telling our stories and our in trying to improve every in the face of industry failures.” members’ stories. We’ll also have new individual because talent Updating delegates on Honeycomb, communications tools, which are less alone is not enough.“ Hemming reported that bookings have corporate and friendlier. In terms of getting a doubled with the new system and the group “Every single brand across the group will great team together, has also delivered 12 new suppliers and seen also be rebranded – and we’ll be taking Woodward referred to a ‘4D 28 new developments since its launch, suggestions from members on how to get Process’: including training events and webinars. this right, to better reflect us as a business Discover – capture and Hemming estimated that the value of the going forward.” G share information and knowledge Distill – identify and Business forum networking G measure the “keys” to success G Do – leverage “keys through training and practice” G Digital – any time, anywhere, in that mobile is a game changer as it makes connecting and sharing simple and easy. He also told delegates thinking correctly under pressure will get them far, and this includes running through every possibility and knowing how to react to them.
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conferenceupdate
What’s your power – and how far are you willing to go? IN A workshop entitled Maximising The Power of You, Global CEO of Action Coach, Vic Ciuffetelli, told attendees that there are three simple steps to success: Dream, Educate TABLE TALK...Enjoying the business forum are Kate Harris (left) and Do. from Inspired Travel, Burbage and Louise Tansey, Bourne Leisure. He said: “Good is the enemy of great. Most people stop at being just Be prepared for the changes & challenges of 2018 ‘good’, and that’s fine if you just want ‘enough’ for what IN A session that looked at legal, regulatory and data issues, Farina Azam, a partner at you need. But when you Travlaw Solicitors, ran through some of the key changes happening in the industry in want to be great, you need regards to the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2), the General Data Protection to define what ‘great’ is for Regulation (GDPR) and the Package Travel Directive, and how agents should be responding you. If that means to make to those changes. loads of money, you need In terms of the PSD2, which come into effect on January 13, 2018 and mean that traders to define how much you cannot pass on any charges for debit or credit cards to their customers, Azam told want to make.” delegates that they can look at other means of making the money back from the charges Ciuffetelli outlined a that they cannot pass on. formula for change – D X V She said: “The vast majority of my travel operator clients are upping the price of their + F > R, where holidays. If you’re a travel agent you can look at charging a booking fee. However, if you do dissatisfaction multiplied this, you have to apply the same fee to all bookings. by the vision plus the first “Another option is to encourage clients to make alternative payment methods other than steps has to be greater a credit card by using non-monetary incentives. Examples include offering a free airport than resistance for change lounge pass or complimentary in-flight meals with the booking.” to take place. Meanwhile, with the key date for GDPR being May 25, 2018, Azam told delegates that He said: “Vision is not they need to comply – and show that they are complying – with data protection laws, necessarily about have a particularly when working with other EU member states. She outlined the seven data goal, it’s about having protection principles that agencies must comply with – (1) Lawfulness, fairness and desire. A desire is a transparency (2) Purpose limitation (3) Data minimisation (4) Accuracy (5) Storage burning need to do limitation (6) Integrity & confidentiatlity and (8) Accountability. something for someone She said: “For all the seven principles that are in place, you need to have accountability; and once you determine that you are aware of and comply with the measures. To do this you need to be able to what that is, you then need show what measures you have taken. to do something about it.” “For processing to be lawful under the GDPR, you need to identify a legal basis, known He also told delegates to as “conditions for processing” – these are: consent, contract, compliance with a legal commit a statement to obligation, protect vital interest, public interest and legitimate interest.” someone to have the best chance of success. EXCITING TIMES... Lawrence Kaye (left) from Clear Travel, He said: “How much Manchester meets with Adrian Marpole of Excite Holidays. more effective would you work if you were accountable? It’s not just about attitude, it’s about behaviour; not just wanting to do it, but having to do it. That’s the difference between a goal and a desire, and if you commit to a desire you can’t fail.” Action Coach is running two workshops for TTNG members this month – one in London on November 29 and one in Manchester on November 30.
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france
LAST YEAR, France welcomed 11.9 million British visitors in a continuing positive trend and a growth of 5% from the UK in 2017 for the first six months of the year. The UK remained the main source market for inbound travellers to France in 2016, representing 15% of total foreign visitors to the country. According to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, France expects to have welcomed between 88 and 89 million international tourists in 2017, with an objective of reaching 100 million by Inghams introduces 2020. Visit france.fr new activities in Chamonix Shearings Holidays adds Grand Tourer itinerary in France FOR SUMMER 2018, SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has added a new Set in 15 acres of parkland, the Chateau Inghams is to offer a new five-day ‘Chateau de Montvillargenne’ de Montvillargenne is found in the heart of range of excursions in Grand Tourer itinerary to its Europe the forest of Chantilly and was once the Chamonix appealing to brochure for 2018. home of the legendary Rothschild family those seeking an Offering the chance to stay in a Chateau and also offers an indoor pool and spa. adrenaline-fuelled in the French countryside on the outskirts Departing on July 15 and August 12, mountain holiday of Chantilly, the tour also includes a trip up 2018, the tour is priced from £549 per experience. Montparnasse Tower with a glass of person and includes four nights half-board These include an champagne at the top. The observation at the chateau, three excursions including a ‘Overnight Glacier deck tour overlooks Paris from a height of full day in Paris with the Montparnasse Experience’ which will see 200m with 360 degree views including a Tower tour, a full day in Chantilly and a guests spend a night in the view of the Eiffel Tower and the other half-day visit to Senlis. Coach travel and newly renovated Refuge du famous sites such as The Louvre and Arc tour manager are also included. Montenvers; an de Triomphe. Visit shearingsagent.com for more details. exhilarating introduction through three half-day Combine Paris with Villages Nature for a Christmas getaway excursions on ‘Mountain Magic’ to some of the local AFTER A day of exploring, shopping, skating, and sampling all the yuletide highlights that activities on offer, Paris has to offer over the Christmas period, Villages Nature Paris is highlighting its including white-water serene and verdant surroundings located 32km away from the bustle of the city centre for rafting and guided biking; families wishing to combine a city break with an activity filled holiday. and ‘Ice, Air & Rapids’, a Across the holiday village’s five immersive worlds, children can get creative in the arts two-and-a-half day and crafts workshops at BelleVie Farm, before seeing the animals and enjoying the farm- excursion that offers thrills themed soft play area, ‘Lait’s Play’. In the evening, they can dance at a kids’ disco before such as tandem being tucked up in bed in their nature-themed bedrooms. paragliding and a guided Meanwhile, adults can take a dip in the Aqualagon's outdoor lagoons, which are Mer de Glace glacier hiking geothermally heated to 30ºC through the year or at the Lakeside Promenade, sample the excursion. local wine at Cépages Wine Bar, followed by a meal at Vapiano or Pur Etc. Guests can stay at the As well as offering flexible arrival dates and durations, the eco-village is very accessible for Chalet Hotel Sapinière in those travelling from the UK, making it a convenient location for squeezing in short breaks over Chamonix from £569 per the festive season. Direct trains are available with Eurostar from London St Pancras (as well as person for seven nights, Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International) to Marne-La-Vallée Chessy, from where including flights and visitors just need to hop on a bus that will take them to Villages Nature Paris. Alternatively, transfers with buffet groups wishing to travel by car can travel by ferry or the Channel Tunnel. The village is a short breakfast, afternoon tea train or taxi ride away from Paris’ international airports for those travelling by air and families and cake, plus five-course wishing to take a day trip to Disneyland are just a short bus ride away. evening meals with Accommodation options include woodland Clan Comfort cottages with prices starting from complimentary wine. £627, Country Premium cottages and apartments by the lake or in the woods with prices from Excursions can be £681, and Cocoon VIP available as a cottage or apartment by the lake or in the village centre, pre-booked from £105 with prices from £851, each for a four-night self-catered stay and arriving on December 1. per person. All accommodation features free Wi-Fi, fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers, furnished For more information visit terraces or balconies and flat-screen TVs. Baby beds and high chairs are available in all agents.inghams.co.uk or cottages and upon request in apartments. call 01483-791111. For more information call 0845-351 0820 or visit villagesnatureparis.co.uk
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france Air Corsica launches new routes from Stansted IN A bid to extend the summer season and reach a wider network of British travellers, Air Corsica is introducing flights from Stansted to Ajaccio (Corsica's capital), Bastia and Figari between May 3 and November 4, 2018. The new flights will operate twice weekly to Ajaccio on the west coast TO KICK start the ski season, Première Neige has launched a new (Thursday mornings and Multi-Resort Ski Safari in the French Alps for 2017/18. Based at Culinary delights with Sunday evenings), twice a the Chalet Merlo in Sainte Foy, guests can experience the slopes Great Rail Journeys week to Bastia on the east of up to five world-renowned resorts during one ski trip including coast (Thursday lunchtimes Sainte Foy, Tignes, Val D’Isere, Les Arcs and La Rosiere. For those GREAT RAIL Journeys’ looking for a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, the company’s ‘France's Waterways from and Sunday mornings) and luxury catered chalet can also arrange for heli-skiing excursions. once a week to Figari in the Visit premiere-neige.com Champagne to Paris’ takes south (Saturday mornings guests on an all-inclusive and lunchtimes). gastronomic tour of France The number of flights Vive La Differénce with Railtrail Tours over seven days, with prices starting from £2,835 will increase to nine weekly ADDING TO its growing Grand Tours By Rail programme, per person. during the peak months Railtrail’s 12-day Vive La Differénce tour is based in one of Guests will cruise down from June to September. the most scenic regions of France, the Massif Central. the famous Champagne These will include Friday The triangular tour takes in Clermont Ferrand, Nimes route on the Raymonde lunchtimes and Saturday and Beziers and visits viaducts, vineyards and valley Hotel barge on an itinerary mornings to Ajaccio, Friday scenery on the Cévenol Railway and the Ligne des Causses that includes local tastings lunchtimes and Saturday plus a plethora of heritage railway journeys. The one-off of Champagne, cheese and afternoons to Bastia, and tour departs from St Pancras on July 21, 2018 in First or other regional produce, Wednesday afternoons to Standard class, with accommodation on half-board in four- with visits to Hautvillers Figari. This means that a star hotels and all excursions and admissions included ‘the Pearl of Champagne’, total of 64,000 seats will be with a lead in price of £2,095 per person. Jean de la Fountaine available across the As 2018 also sees the 100th anniversary of the end of the Museum and Paris, three routes between May First World War, the operator has also released a World including a city tour. and November. War 1 Centenary and Somme Steam Gala tour, departing Louise Heatley, head of Single fares start at £49 on September 27, 2018. Included in the five-day tour is a product and contracting for from London and 59 euros visit to a steam gala at Froissy, a day exploring the scenic the operator, said: “France from Corsica, with hold Baie de Somme line and a day commemorating those who is famous for its cuisine luggage allowance included fell in the Battle of the Somme. Fittingly, a final visit is to and this tour showcases up to 23kg, and cabin the replica of the Armistice Carriage at Compiègne, a the best that France has to baggage up to 12kg. railway carriage in which the German surrender was made. offer. From Champagne to Tickets are now available Fares are from £795 per person. cheeses, guests will learn for booking via For more information visit railtrail.co.uk or call 01538- about the food and drink, aircorsica.com 382323. as well as having plenty of tastings. The highlight of Pirates, Princesses & Super Heroes at Disneyland Paris this tour is Hautvillers, which is the birthplace of WITH THE FESTIVITIES for Disneyland Paris’ A first for Europe and marked as the big Dom Perignon, a Benedict 25th anniversary well under way, visitors can event of 2018 for the park, The Marvel monk who invented look ahead to two new seasons with the Summer of Super Heroes will run between Champagne. It's a Princesses & Pirates Festival at Disneyland June 10 and September 30. fascinating place to visit Park in spring 2018, followed by the Marvel Families can prepare to save the world and here guests can taste Summer of Super Heroes at Walt Disney alongside Spider-Man, Iron Man, Star-Lord, some of the best quality Studios Park. Black Widow and more, complete with Champagne of the region.” Running between March 31 and May 31, interactive encounters with the heroes of the Tours depart on June 2, 2018, young visitors can choose to dive into a Marvel Universe and shows scheduled July 14 and September 8, swashbuckling pirate adventure or live an throughout the season. 2018. enchanting fairy tale alongside their favourite As part of its anniversary celebrations, Visit greatrail.com or call Disney princesses complete with interactive which run until September 2018, visitors can 0800-240 4470 for more experiences as the park launches the season also expect to see a new parade, new shows details. with an all new Princesses & Pirates Festival. and re-imagined attractions.
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activity&adventure
Gabriella Burden (left) with Mark Warner’s agency sales manager, Julie Franklin.
Gabriella Burden, marketing executive at Mark Warner Holidays, looks at the rising trend in activity holidays for the 50-plus market... MANY PEOPLE think of an activity sporty or even active but they are at G Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froom holiday for the super sporty or for the age where they are still young have made cycling into the fastest families with teenage children that they enough in body and mind to try growing sport that we’ve seen – need to keep occupied, but that’s not something new and different. It also accessible for all. How many groups necessarily the case these days. comes down to the 40-60+ age group of cyclists do you see on the roads One new trend that Julie Franklin and I sometimes having a little more causing traffic mayhem on a Sunday have noticed recently is how active and disposable income and time. With the morning these days? With so many adventurous the age 50+ market is kids off their hands and having not guided tours being offered on holiday, becoming. I read an article recently necessarily reached grandparent stage even the most tentative cyclist can where it states that this demographic is (or maybe they haven’t had kids in the enjoy a gentle bike ride around the more active than the 30+ and I know first place) they really are a great local villages with a stop at a Fort or a she won’t mind me saying, but Julie can audience to target with holidays that beach bar en route, giving a chance to emphasise this as she’s approaching allow them to take the time to see the local area on two wheels. For (not quite there yet) 50 and just started immerse themselves in a culture, an the more adventurous, there are the Couch to 5K programme and signed activity or a landscape. plenty of challenging bike rides that up for a Walking Marathon next year – will take them up hill, down dale and there seems to be something to be said On water & wheels even tours taking in whole islands. about getting fitter these days no You only have to look around you matter what the age! locally to spot two fast growing Newbies as well as fitness fanatics are activities that are enjoyed right around loving a new challenge and are up for New challenges the UK, so to do these abroad gives it trying new things and new resorts. At Whether this age group is travelling a much more pleasant appeal: the end of the day, there is nothing to long or short haul, they are no longer lose apart from a little time and maybe looking to simply relax on a beach in G Orlando Bloom has brought SUP some dignity! As well as couples and the sun. There are so many fantastic boarding into the limelight and this groups, we have also seen a rise in the things to do whilst on holiday now and fantastic sport has definitely become number of this age range who are for those taking advantage of being more popular over the last few happy to travel solo and meet new able to go outside of the school years. With a bit of gentle guidance, friends along the way. holidays there is also a price benefit. your customers will soon be gliding I believe that you can really benefit I have found so many more travel along the water and eventually be from taking the time to get to know agents asking about being able to able to stand up working those core these customers, introducing this style offer customers something a little muscles. This sport is suitable to all of holiday to them and start making different from a holiday, a new levels of fitness and a perfect, some fantastic bookings. Repeat challenge as such. Your customers different way to enjoy a sea breeze. business is big and they could be yours don’t necessarily consider themselves for many more holidays to come!
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activity&adventure
See St. Lucia Topless A CAREFULLY CRAFTED tour of Saint Lucia that showcases the island’s rich history to visitors whilst they enjoy the landscapes from the comfort of a Mini ROBINSON RECENTLY hosted 30 UK travel agents - from Co-operative Travel, Infinite Travel, The Cooper has been Travel House and Barrhead Travel along with a number of TUI’s own agents - to its ROBINSON Club introduced in the form of a Apulia. In keeping with the club holiday brand’s plans to grow the UK market, the trip provided an ‘See St. Lucia Topless Mini ideal opportunity for agents to find out more about the brand with a full immersion into the ROBINSON Cooper Road Trip’. experience during their stay, with activities and excursions including: WOGA (Water Yoga), volleyball, sailing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling and a cooking class. Agents also got to try out the The road trip takes brand’s new Gastro event for 2017; TASTE Jam, a street food festival and the trip ended with the adventure seekers off the weekly gala evening and RIO Carnival show. beaten path in the comfort of a convertible – seeing Saint Lucia Topless or in Intrepid adds undiscovered destinations to curb ‘overtourism’ air conditioned luxury - INTREPID TRAVEL has launched new sustainably. We need to work harder to tell through the lush country itineraries for 2018 in some of Europe’s travellers about lesser-known destinations side to historical undiscovered locations in a bid to help curb that are just as worthy of their time.” landmarks and with over-tourism in more traditional European As an example and as an alternative to guided tours of sites like destinations and to bolster the company’s Tuscany, the operator has tours to Moldova, the Sulphur Springs ongoing commitment to responsible tourism. which only has 121,000 visitors a year. Here Park, the world’s only In addition the operator is doubling its off- travellers can enjoy the largest quality wine drive-in volcano. season departures in Europe. collection in the world - without the crowds – Designed for couples, James Thornton, CEO for the adventure on a 13-day tour which also takes in families, and groups, the tour operator, said: “Europe is a firm favourite Romania’s remote Danube Delta, the all-inclusive tour includes with our customers, so we’re constantly on Ukraine’s atmospheric abandoned Chernobyl pickup at hotel or villa, the look-out for new ways to explore the Exclusion Zone and highlights of Moldova. audio guide, binoculars, continent by adding unique itineraries and They can explore the breakaway strip of entrance fees to the sites new destinations. land called Gagauzia, take a guided wine and attractions, lunch, “Over-tourism has become a real issue in tour of Milestii Mici which sits on top of the children’s car seat, cold many of the world’s most beautiful cities world’s largest wine cellar, and discover towels and for those who and it’s impacting the experience for locals Transnistria, a breakaway republic in the want to be connected and for travellers, so in 2018 we’re east of the country. complimentary Wi-Fi. encouraging travellers to consider the Departures run in April through to Rates are also alternatives, and look beyond the typical September 2018 and cost from £1,695 per commissionable to destinations. Responsible travel is about person including 12 nights’ accommodation travel agents. making choices that benefit not only the with breakfast daily, four other meals, For more information visit tourists but also the local people while transport and most activities. This quote minicooperroadtrip.com respecting their cultures, economy and the excludes flights. environment too. The global tourism For more information go to industry is growing rapidly, but not always intrepidtravel.com or call 0808-274 5111. Rocky Mountaineer develops more opportunities for soft adventure EARLIER THIS year, Rocky Mountaineer coming out with us are really into bike SilverLeaf service holidays with a introduced two new packages for touring or hiking and other activities. duration of eight days or more, and holidays in 2018, focusing on culinary This is something that we weren’t gives guests the opportunity to book a experiences and adventure activities, to seeing ten years ago. variety of add-ons, including extra hotel meet an increasing desire from its “We’ve developed packages that pair nights, meals, activities, tours or an guests to experience ‘soft adventure’. trips with biking around Vancouver, Alaskan Cruise as part of the brand’s Travel Bulletin caught up with Hilary guided hikes throughout the Rockies Rail and Cruise packages. Strath, communications specialist for and even zodiac boat tours where our Entering into its 29th season and to the Canadian rail company, at WTM to guests can head out onto the water, meet with demand, the company is find out more about this adventurous getting them into nature and seeing currently building new dome cars in trend. She said: “Our research found that that side of Canada without over Berlin, two of which will enter into that visitors wanted something a little exerting themselves.” service for May 2018. Each car can hold bit more curated rather than just doing The company has also extended its 72 passengers, adding additional the loop and hitting the top tourism Peaks & Perks offer. Previously capacity to certain routes with a further entities. The desire for soft adventure available until October 27, the luxury car to be introduced at the end of the indicates that perhaps our rail operator has lengthened the season. New SilverLeaf and new demographic is becoming a little bit availability of its offer until December GoldLeaf cars will also be added younger and people are becoming more 22 so travellers can enjoy up to £480 in throughout the next four years. active. We’re in the 50+ market but added value per couple. This credit can For further information visit even a lot of the 65+ year-olds who are be applied to 2018 GoldLeaf or rockymountaineer.com
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@TravelBulletin VISIT WALES has announced the launch of The Wales Way, a collection of three national scenic touring routes that cross the TravelBulletin country’s most epic landscapes and packing in more than 6000 years of history along the journey. Expected to feature among the puzzlesolutions world’s top driving routes, The Wales Way is densely packed with Crossword: activities offering more reasons to be outside the car than in Across: 1. MANOS, 3. PARIS, 5. RAM, 7. ARUNDEL, 9. BALI, 10. DEPP, 13. AVIS, 14. STAR, which enables visitors to unearth local gems and discover unique, 16. YANGTZE, 18. RIO, 19. IBIZA, 20. SEOUL. authentically-Welsh experiences. The three routes – The Coastal Down: 1. MARY BERRY, 2. SWAN, 3. PHUKET, 4. RED, 6. MALTA, 8. LIVERPOOL, 11. PETER, Way, The Cambrian Way and The North Wales Way - have been 12. SINTRA, 15. NESS, 17. NWI. designed to intersect, so can be enjoyed alone for shorter breaks, Highlighted Word: MALAGA or linked together for longer adventures. Also, they are not confined just to driving and offer rail connections, walking paths, Where Am I?: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland. cycling routes and horse riding trails. See walesway.com
We asked our staff the following question this week: What's your favourite month - and why?
Jeanette Ratcliffe Hannah Carter Publisher Events & Sales Administrator [email protected] [email protected] December as it's my birthday month and I also November because bonfire night is the best time LOVE Christmas! of year and signifies the start of winter.
Lauretta Wright Robyn Kirby Editor Sales & Events Apprentice [email protected] [email protected] August: two weeks of downtime with the family December because of Christmas! - usually somewhere hot.
Adam Potter Nicky Valsamakis Editorial Assistant Design Team Leader [email protected] [email protected] November - for Fireworks night! November - It’s my Birthday!
Paul Scudamore Miriam Brtkova Contributing Editor Designer June - Our annual three-week holiday in Corfu, [email protected] my birthday and our wedding anniversary. May - because it's month of love and trees are in blossom. Simon Eddolls Sales Director [email protected] Lucia Mathurin Design Apprentice April - start of cricket season, June - birthday [email protected] and August - hols (oh..and cricket tour too!) November because its my birthday! Bill Coad Eugenia Nelly Mendes Account Manager Head of Production [email protected] [email protected]
Happy Birthday Matt Gill Senior Account Manager Affectionately known as 'Jammy '(Jammy Dodger, Tim Podger), this long-standing member of the team [email protected] enjoys playing practical jokes and seems to have the August because it seems to last forever! work/life balance down to a T. Enjoy your birthday Jammy - we look forward to seeing you again soon! Sarah Terry Tim Podger Account Manager Account Manager - Far East [email protected] [email protected] May - the culmination of the football season and the Any month that I'm on holiday promise of summer ahead
22 November 24 2017 travelbulletin.co.uk S07 TB 2411 2017 Activity&Adventure_Layout 01/03/2017 1 22/11/2017 15:03 Page 11:49 12 Page 23 S07 TB 2411 2017 Activity&Adventure_Layout 1 21/11/2017 15:03 Page 24
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