Travel Bulletin 16th November 2012

Operators issuenew brochures &

programmes

Corsica

November 16 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,803 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

renato fantoniagony uncle, RenatoFantoni, solves anetworking dilemma

wtm reporta round-up of thelatest announcements& news from WTM

spainget equipped to offeryour clients a taste ofthe real Spain

10 2712this week

uk & ireland

how agents can capitaliseon the success of theOlympics

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TB1611 2012 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 14/11/2012 10:32 Page 1

SKYPRIORITY. BECAUSE YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY.

SkyTeam introduces SkyPriority, an alliance-wide priority service label which is easy to

spot at every SkyTeam-served airport around the world. Wherever you fly with SkyTeam

member airlines, you* will automatically benefit from priority check-in, baggage handling,

boarding and transfer desks. To learn more, visit skyteam.com

*First Class, Business Class, and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers.

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MINERVA MATES..Swan Hellenic recently hosted a fam cruise across the Mediterranean for sixagents, travelling from Naples to Sardinia. Pictured enjoying a stay on the line's latest ship, Minerva,are, from the left: Chris Roberts and Ian Warren, Go Cruise; Catherine Cheseman, Wexas; StaceyWilliams, Cruise.co.uk; Tessa Richmond, Wexas; Kristin Small, Cruise.co.uk; and Brian Langford, AllDiscovery Cruising (Swan Hellenic). For more information on itineraries available see www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844-822 0679

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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk November 16 2012

newsbulletin

3 newsthe latest industry developments, product launches & offers

12 wtm reporta round-up of the latest announcements & news from WTM

27 spainget equipped to offer your clients a taste of the real Spain

9 agent bulletinFred. Olsen offers £25 Capital Bond voucher to agents booking Xmas & New Year cruises

17trainingsales: what is your tally of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals this season?

10 renato fantoniagony uncle, Renato Fantoni, solves a networking dilemma

19 corsicanew brochures & programme additions from operators

11 puzzle bulletinyour chance to win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher

22 uk & irelandhow agents can capitalise on the success of the Olympic games

‘Noisy children’ voted mostannoying in-flight issueRESEARCH BY www.sunshine.co.uk hasrevealed the top ten most annoying in-flight issues according to UKholidaymakers, with ‘noisy children’ thetop irritation stated in the poll, closelyfollowed by lack of leg room and poorquality food/choice of food.

The company polled 1,648 UK-basedadults who had been abroad on holidayin the past 12 months via a flight andasked the question ‘Which of thefollowing scenarios annoy you the mostduring a flight, when going on holiday?’.Respondents were asked to select allthat applied and the results included:Noisy children (88%), Lack of leg room(76%), Poor quality food/choice (52%),Not getting seated with co-travellers(49%), Passengers kicking backs ofchairs (41), Loud fellow passengers(35%), Drunken fellow passengers(23%), Small toilets (17%), Rude in-flight crew (11%) and No in-flightentertainment (9%).

When asked if they enjoyed flying,23% of those taking part said ‘yes’ and35% claimed to be ‘indifferent’.

Less than a 3 weeks to go until Voyager launches!

For agency sales information contact:Brian Langford Mobile: 07740 540304Email: [email protected]

Details of improvements and artists impressions are correct at time of print but subject to change. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897

Voyager sets sail on her inaugural season to the Caribbean and South America on 4th December 2012.

Find out more at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Tim Fleming Mobile: 07894 394488

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Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07740 540304rian Langford B

For agency sales information contact:

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For agency sales information contact:

Mobile: 07894 394488Tim Fleming


RECENT SURVEY research by Superbreak has found thatBritish holidaymakers are more likely to book a Europeanbreak over the coming months with 56% having changed, orplanning to change, their behaviour as a result of thestrengthening pound versus the euro.

The survey also found that when it comes to counting thepennies, men appeared more savvy than women; 20% moremen were aware of the stronger exchange rate with anadditional 13% planning to change their behaviour as a result.Conversely, 10% more men pay for a holiday by credit card,with women opting to save up and pay by cash.

On average, the survey found that it takes six-12 months tosave for a week long holiday and between one and threemonths for a short break, except for pensioners, who lead theway in holiday spontaneity with more than a third of over-65sstating they could go on a short break without any notice at all.

Culture is the biggest pull, closely followed by famouslandmarks when choosing a short break destination, with 44%of respondents looking for places to see and visit. In contrast

to the priorities for a longer holiday, weather rated as thesixth most important factor when choosing to spend a fewdays away.

The survey also found that the most popular destination fora European short break was Paris, with half of respondentschoosing either the capital (27%) or Disneyland (23%).

The operator's sales director Jane Atkins said: “With thecurrent strength of the pound, there has never been a bettertime to go on a European short break and agents need to beshouting about this. The majority of customers are stilllooking to save up, rather than put on the credit card, but asprices lower, a short break can be taken with just a fewmonths’ notice.

“We are so lucky in the UK to have a host of destinationswithin just a few hours, with rail links making Europe reallyaccessible, even for those not on the south coast.Interestingly, only 35% of Brits have travelled by Eurostar,despite it being 18 years old, although 47% said they wouldlike to in the future.”

Superbreak findings reveal holiday buying behaviour changes to make most of the euro

www.travelbulletin.co.ukNovember 16 20124

newsbulletin

CABIN CREW Chic... picturedmodelling Titan Airways’ newuniforms are cabin crewmembers Rebecca Hess (left),David Maxwell and DanielleBayles. The new uniform cameinto effect at the start of thismonth with the men’s uniformcomprising a tailored single-breasted dark grey suit wornwith a white shirt and purpletie. Female cabin crew have theoption of either a dark greyskirt, blouse and waistcoat,worn with a purple neckerchiefto complement the men’s ties,or a tailored dark grey dress,worn with a purple neckerchief.

COX & Kings is offering savings of up to£300 per person on selected grouptours departing before March 2013.

As an example, a Grand Tour ofIndochina begins in Laos and exploresancient temples and the French coloniallegacy, before continuing to Vietnam touncover the highlights between Hanoiand Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), andconcludes at the Angkor Wat. The 21-

day/18-night tour now leads in at£4,345 per person, offering a savingof £300 per person.

It includes flights, transfers,excursions, breakfastaccommodation and other meals asspecified, and is valid for departureson January 17, February 15 andFebruary 21 for bookings made byNovember 30.

Guests can also save up to £275per person on the Patagonia:Untouched Wilderness itinerary, upto £250 per person on the EthiopianOdyssey itinerary and £200 perperson on the Grand Tour of SouthIndia.For more information or to book call020-7873 5000 or visitwww.coxandkings.co.uk

Autumn savings of up to £300 per person on selected group tours with C&K

Escape Down Under with CarrierCARRIER IS promoting its 12-night Great AustralianExplorer itinerary, which includes visits to Sydney, the BlueMountains, the Jamison Valley, North Queensland and theDaintree Rainforest, culminating in a stay at Uluru.

Prices lead in at £6,690 per person, based on twosharing and include flights, accommodation, privatetransfers and car hire. To book call 01614-921355 or visit www.carrier.co.uk

New brochurefrom PrestonPRESTON HOLIDAYS hasissued its 2013 brochure tothe Channel Islands, Isle ofMan, Isles of Scilly and Isleof Wight.

The brochure offersdepartures from more than30 UK airports with charter,scheduled and low-costairlines, plus sea travel fromten ferry ports and flexibleprogrammes with nominimum or maximumholiday duration.

A selection of newproperties have been addedincluding the three-starGrisnoir Guest House inGuernsey and the three-starBembridge Coast Hotel onthe Isle of Wight. Prices leadin at £168 per person forthree nights by sea to theMarina Bay Hotel on the Isleof Wight and from £209 perperson for three nights by airto the Glen Mona GuestHouse on the Isle of Man.

Villa Parade looks to develop longterm relationships with trade VILLA PARADE has invested heavily to support its retailpartnerships with the launch of new online and offlinemarketing and sales material and initiatives for 2013,including a new retail brochure.

With a transparent price policy providing customersand agents with the same prices, the company islooking to work closer with its retail partners indeveloping long-term relationships, and has introduceda number of agent initiatives. Examples include halfprice offers for a second week at selected propertiesand agent concessionary rates giving up to 50% savings.

The company is also running competitions to giveagents the chance to win a week's villa holiday and isalso highlighting its telephone enquiry service plus anonline chat facility for agents.



Travel Indochinasells through tradeTRAVEL INDOCHINA hasannounced that it is nowselling through the tradeand working with UKagents to assist with salesfor its Small GroupJourneys, luxury rivercruises and tailor-madeholidays to Asia.

The company’s UK-based Asia specialists cantailor-make holidays to suitall customer requirements.To order the new SmallGroup Journeys brochurefor 2013/14 visitwww.trade-gate.co.uk

Winter breaks in The Gambia, Cape Verde & SenegalSERENITY HOLIDAYS is highlighting a selection of breaks with The Gambia Experience, TheCape Verde Experience and The Senegal Experience for winter.

The Gambia Experience is promoting a selection of multi-centre holidays and reportsthat an increasing number of holidaymakers are choosing tailor-made holidays combiningtwo or more properties.

The Unique Collection’s Mandina Lodges at Makasutu offer a week’s stay at a coastalhotel with a three- or four-night stay in a jungle lodge. Three-night add-on prices startfrom £349 per person and include half-board accommodation and hotel transfers.

Meanwhile, The Cape Verde Experience offers trips to six of the ten Cape Verde islands,with a choice of 16 hotels, including two new additions on the island of Boa Vista –Spinguera Eco Lodge and the Orquidea Guest House. Single-island and twin-centre trips,plus a selection of programmed and tailor-made island-hopping itineraries are alsoavailable. Sailing and exploration holidays on the Oosterschelde ship are also offered onselected dates from next month, with prices starting from £2,299 per person based on 14nights.

Alternatively, The Senegal Experience is offering savings of up to £150 per person off 14-night stays on selected dates this winter at the five-star Lamantin Beach Hotel, located inthe beach resort of Saly, North Senegal. Prices start from £1,556 per person based on twosharing a standard room on half-board, including flights. For more information visit www.serenity.co.uk

AGENTS SELLING London city breakscan provide their clients with thechance to book discounted diningoptions following the launch of arestaurant guide that offers moneyoff.

Launched at the end of last year,the London Pass Dining Guide, priced

at £12, is now available for agents tosell. The discount book is the latestmoney-saving initiative from theLondon Pass – a smartcard givingtourists entry to more than 60 of thecity’s top attractions.

The pass is available to sell as astand-alone product or alongside The

London Pass and offers savings of upto 50% on bills and added value offersat more than 30 of the capital’sfavourite eateries. Discounts apply toparties of up to six people for sevendays.For more information [email protected]

London Pass gives agents the ability to offer discounted dining when selling city breaks

newsbulletin

TRAVEL ANGELS...Andy Harris from Travel 2 visited Travel Angels inStreet, Somerset to present the agency with its 'Agent of the Month'award of a bottle of Champagne and a place on an upcoming fam.Pictured with Andy are, from the left, the agency's Sarah Wilton,Tracy Norton, Mary Constanza and Sarah Jane Hurford.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@HeathrowAirport Heathrow's passengerswill soon get to experi-ence using #passbook inan airport -http://ow.ly/f6gqx - willyou be using it?

@CosmosHolidays 3 parks for the price of2! What could be better?http://bit.ly/SeaWrldTktSeaWorld, Aquatica &Busch Gardens (Ts&Csapply)

@Door2Tour Loving this years#strictlycomedancing?Don't forget tourpackages are availableto see the show in2013...http://tinyurl.com/clza5qh

@Accorhotels Discover beautifulChristmas markets inEngland for less!http://bit.ly/RuQ8YS

@ThomsonDeals Travel to our new resortCosta de la Luz next Mayfrom £353 per personstaying at the 4* AIClubhotel Riu Chiclanahttp://ow.ly/f6bSV

@SandalsResorts Which Sandals is rightfor you? Take the quiz!http://shout.lt/dDB3

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

TravelBulletin

Acacia Africa to revisit hotspots in 2013ACACIA AFRICA’S new 2013 brochure features five new itineraries covering South Africa,Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda hotspots.

As an example of a new tour, an 11-day Johannesburg to Lusaka overland tour includes astay in central Botswana and camping by the Limpopo River, home to a plethora ofmammals and 350 species of birdlife. Popular locations range from Victoria Falls to Krugerand Chobe National Parks. With no single supplement and year-round departures, theitinerary leads in at £475 per person plus a local payment of £242 per person.For details call 020-7706 4700, email [email protected] or visit www.acacia-africa.com

S02 TB1611 News 1_Layout 1 13/11/2012 14:31 Page 5

BEFORE THE end of the year, TAM Airlines is expected totake delivery of four Boeing-777s which will featurenewly designed First Class cabins.

The cabin aims to emulate a living room, with apersonalised environment that provides more privacyand interaction, complete with a new sleeper seat andentertainment system. The four-seater cabin alsoincludes a couch, individual closets, a Nespresso serviceand a library.

Improvements to the other cabins include increasedlegroom and redesigned seats.For details see www.tamairlines.com

CRUISE & MaritimeVoyages (CMV) is offeringguests a festive welcomeon the adult-only MarcoPolo next month, whereguests have theopportunity to visit theship for the day onDecember 13 and 19.

Boarding in Tilbury,guests can explore theship before sitting down toa four-course lunch ordinner, followed by a show.

Those staying for dinnerhave the option to stayovernight and havebreakfast before leavingthe ship. For £49 per

person, guests will receivewelcome cocktails, lunchwith wine and see a show.Alternatively, for £79guests will also be able toattend a disco cabaret,with the option to stayovernight costing an extra£10.

Prices are based on twopeople sharing a standardtwin cabin.

Cabin upgrades are alsoavailable from £20 perperson.Bookings must be made online atwww.cruiseandmaritime.com

Festive cruise experience from CMV

TAM Airlines unveils First Class cabins


newsbulletin

Newsbites● EASYJET WILL commence flights to Marrakech,

Sharm el Sheikh and Sofia as part of its new 2013route launches from Stansted. The year-round flightsto Marrakech launch on February 15, with a three-times weekly service. The year-round twice-weeklyservice to Sharm el Sheikh launches on February 17,while the Sofia route will operate twice weekly fromFebruary 16.

● PARADIS HOTEL & Golf Club in Mauritius haslaunched a new Junior Golf Academy for children overthe age of six. Lessons of 30-minutes cost £25 perperson including free green fees for under 12s.Children enrolled in the Paradis Bob Marlin mini-clubare also entitled to a free taster session, with a shortintroduction to the game by the resort’s golfprofessionals. Beachcomber Tours offers seven nightsfrom £1,360 per person based on two adults and twochildren (under 12) sharing a Junior Suite on a half-board basis, including flights and private transfers.See www.beachcombertours.co.uk or call 01483-445621.

● VISITWILTSHIRE HAS launched a new Website atwww.visitwiltshire.co.uk

● KLM ROYAL Dutch Airlines will add a fourth dailyflight from Norwich to Amsterdam from March 31,2013. The new frequency will increase capacity on theroute by 33% and return fares lead in at £119including taxes.

Keeping an

i on AppsQUINTA DO Lago has launched its

app for iPhones and Smartphones

which has been designed to

enhance users’ experiences at the

resort, both before and during their

visit. It includes the ability for users

to search for updates on events and

special offers, check the weather

and keep updated on social media

developments. The site’s redesign

includes an online chat service and

a new area dedicated to the estate’s

newest real estate addition, San

Lorenzo North. It is available to

download from the iTunes Website.

VISITORS TO Steenberg winery in

Cape Town’s Constantia Valley

can enhance their wine-tasting

experience with the use of a new

app, available to download on all

smartphones, iPads and tablets.

The app offers information on

Steenberg’s selection of wines,

new wine releases and special

events. At the cellar door, visitors

to the tasting room can access

tasting notes and food & wine

pairings to provide interactive

participation in the wine tasting

experience. The free app also

includes photographs and videos

that can be downloaded.

For details visit

http://road.ie/steenbrgwine

SMARTSAVE HAS launched NewYork for Less, which includes asearchable street map, aninteractive subway map, a guide totop attractions and a range ofdiscounts to popular tourist sites.The free app provides a simple wayfor users to navigate the city, gettingthe best they can out of their tripwhile saving them money at theplaces they visit. The app is offlineand once downloaded does notrequire internet access to be used,saving the user money on dataroaming charges. For details seewww.forlessguides.com andhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/new-york-for-less-travel-guide/id561441603


www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Sri Lanka savingsfrom Thomas Cook Tours

THOMAS COOK Tours isoffering a 10% discounton its 12-day Sri LankaExotic Isle Tour,departing Heathrow onJanuary 31 next year.

The tour includes ajourney across Sri Lankawith visits to the island'shistorical andarchaeological sites,game reserves and teaplantations.

Free transfers toHeathrow are offered andon arrival guests willcheck-in to the four-starCinnamon Grand Hotel.

Highlights of theitinerary include a visit tothe Sigiriya RockFortress; a day spentexploring thePolonnaruwa Ruins; atrip to see the orphanedAsian elephants at thePinnawela ElephantOrphanage; andexploring the city ofKandy.For more information visitwww.thomascooktours.com

0845 330 4567Gambia.co.uk/Trade

5113

Exotic African culture, unique and boutique hotels, friendly people and a warm

welcome awaits you in The Gambia

Th e GambiaDiscover the

(smiling coast

1987~2012

YEARS25

SERVING THE GAMBIA

FREE SKIS...Tony Hallwood (pictured), Leeds Bradford Airport’scommercial director, takes to the slopes with Monarch topromote a free ski carriage deal. The offer is available onMonarch's new routes from Leeds to key ski regions for winter2012/13, for passengers booking before December 31. The newroutes include Grenoble in France and Munich in Germany andthe free ski carriage offers clients a saving of £39.98. For more information on other offers and add-ons availablevisit www.monarch.co.uk/ski

newsbulletin‘Family-SizeLove’ offer atL’AlberetaL'ALBERETA RELAIS &Chateaux, a five-starresort in Italy's province ofBrescia, Lombardy, hasintroduced a 'Family-SizeLove' offer for familiesbooking a stay at theresort.

It includes acomplimentary stay forone child under the age of12 years in a double roomwhen sharing with theirparents, or for largerfamilies a complimentarysecond room for thechildren for a maximum ofthree children per roomfor children under 12.

Free daily access to theMaty’s Kids' Club is alsooffered, while parents willreceive access to EspaceVitalité Henri Chenot,which includes a pool,sauna and fitness centre.

The offer is valid untilFebruary 28, 2013 withrates leading in at €260(approximately £208) pernight in a double room,based on two adults andchildren under 12 sharing. For more information visitwww.albereta.it


WORLDHOTELS AND Sixtrent a car have announceda new global partnership,where Worldhotels’guests receive a discountof up to 10% whenbooking a vehicle withSixt. Reciprocalmarketing will see bothcompanies credited aspartners on each other’sWebsites and newslettercommunication,increasing brand visibilityfor both.

The partnership alsoprovides the opportunityfor individual Worldhotelsaffiliates to form closerties with their local Sixtoffice and benefit fromtailored marketingactivities.For more information visitwww.worldhotels.com

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS hasannounced the launch of itsnew Website which features anew design and improveduser-friendly functionality.

Following extensiveresearch with customers, thenewly revampedwww.nationalholidays.comhas been redesigned with aneasy-to-use interface to makeit quicker to search thecompany’s range of valueshort breaks and holidaysand manage online bookings.

Agents can search by

holiday type (e.g. city breaks,river cruises, family breaksetc) destination, hotel name,show or keywords.

The site also allows visitorsto find their nearestdeparture points by enteringtheir postcode, and searchholidays from more than onedeparture point at the sametime. The Website is directlyintegrated with the company’scomputerised bookingsystem, allowing agents toview live seat availability anddeparture times for each

coach holiday, choose theirpreferred seats, and completetheir booking using an onlinepayment facility.

National Holidays launches new look Website

Worldhotels and Sixt launchpartnership


newsbulletin

IRISH FERRIES will move its Isle of Inishmore to the Holyhead toDublin route over the festive period, adding extra capacity forpassengers and cars. The Holyhead to Dublin corridor is alreadyserved by cruise-ferry Ulysses and the twin-hulled catamaranDublin Swift, which this winter will be the only fast ferry on theIrish Sea, with a crossing time as short as one hour 49 minutes. OnDecember 22, 23 and 27 and January 2 and 3, 2013, Isle ofInishmore will provide an additional sailing in each directionbetween Holyhead and Dublin. Winter fares start at £79 one-wayfor a car and driver, with additional adults from £26. For details call 0871-730 0400 or see www.irishferries.com


WEBSCLUSIVES

● Make sure you enter our weekly crossword,sponsored by The Holiday Team. Full details canbe found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of thisissue. You could be the lucky winner of £50 ofPizza Express vouchers. Send your entries to www.travelbulletin.co.uk

● Win an iPad 2 courtesy of The Sultanate ofOman Ministry of Tourism. All you have to do toenter is answer 3 simple questions.Just go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

MARK WARNER has put together a selection ofski weeks for adult beginners which includeski or snowboard hire, lift passes and five halfdays of group ski or snowboard school, as wellas flights, accommodation and transfers.

The beginner ski weeks are available atChalet Hotel Christina, La Plagne on January6, 13, 20 and 27 and March 3, 10 and 17 and atChalet Hotel Aiguille Percee, Tignes onJanuary 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2013. Prices lead in

at £999 per person including flights fromGatwick, fuel supplements, transfers, sevennights' breakfast accommodation,afternoon tea and dinner with wine, lift pass(local area only), ski/snowboard hire (notincluding helmets) and five half days ofgroup ski or snowboard school.For more information or to book call 0844-273 6826 or visit www.markwarner.co.uk

Mark Warner ski weeks from £999


● FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines is offering an earlygift to travel agents booking Christmas and NewYear cruises. For bookings made until November30 on selected cruises, the company will payagents in the form of a £25 Capital Bond voucherper booking, on all cabin grades and offers. Thefour cruises in the incentive scheme are: BlackWatch W1221 – a 25-night ‘Caribbean Christmas’cruise, departing from Southampton on December16; Boudicca D1227 – a 16-night ‘Canary IslandsChristmas’ cruise, departing from Portsmouth onDecember 20; Braemar M1229 – a new 18-night‘Cape Verde Islands Christmas’ cruise, departingfrom Southampton on December 19; andBalmoral L1223 – a 14-night ‘Canary IslandsChristmas’ cruise, departing from Southamptonon December 22. Agents interested in the incentive scheme need toregister by calling agency sales on 01473-746164. To book see www.fredolsencruises.com or call 01473-742424.

● FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched a month longincentive, offering agents the chance to earn up to£100 in Marks and Spencer vouchers. Agents mustmake an applicable reservation to any of thecompany's top ten destinations, complete an agentlog sheet and send to the operator by December10. Destinations include New York, Las Vegas,Orlando, Dubai, San Francisco, Los Angeles,Honolulu, Miami, Cancun and Hong Kong. Allbookings must be made before November 30 andinclude a minimum three nights – packages only.The amount of vouchers distributed will depend on

the per person value. For example, bookings worth£1,000-£1,999 per person will receive a £25voucher, up to bookings worth more than £3,000 toreceive a £100 voucher. For more information and to download the agentlog sheet visit www.funway4agents.co.uk


agentbulletin

FUNMAS...pictured in a festive mood, readyto hand out M&S vouchers to agentsmaking bookings are Erica Collins (left)and Cheryll Bisram from Funway Holidays.

Booking incentives

TRACY'S TRIUMPH...Gold Medal

teamed up with Etihad Airways to

offer agents the chance to win a

trip to the Formula 1 Etihad

Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

To be in with a chance of

winning, agents needed to book

flights with Etihad Airways and

Gold Medal to anywhere on their

network. Pictured is the top selling

agent, Tracy Sharp (left) of

Broadway Travel Group with Gold

Medal's Louisa Jackson.



XMAS CHEER...Taber Holidays got into the festive spirit at theScandinavia Show in London's Earls Court recently when theybumped into a very special visitor. Managing director, SuzelTaber-Shaw (left) and marketing assistant, Shing Lin Yoong, tooktime out to chat to Santa (from Visit Finland) and share theirChristmas wish-lists. The operator features a selection of winterbreaks, including a trip to Kakslauttanen where it is possible topay a visit to Santa's Resort. The four-night break leads in at£1,077 per person, based on four people travelling together andincludes flights, transfers and half-board accommodation in atraditional log cabin. For details call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

If you have a question for Renato, email him at [email protected]

Agony uncle, RenatoFantoni, solves a

networking dilemma...

Ask Renato...

Hi Sharon,

TO START let’s put the ‘brand’ thing to bed. A lot has beenwritten around this concept. All it means is that you havethought about what you do and how you do it and that theway you come across reflects this process. End of.

You’ll have to choose to what extent you wish to identifywith the company behind you. Naturally all the duediligence stuff like handling money and only sellingapproved suppliers is (rightly) inflexible. However, you dohave latitude as to how you portray yourself e.g. are youpart of a large professional set-up or are you anindependent expert who is the best in her field? There is noright or wrong here but you do need to contemplate whichmakes you feel most comfortable as this will affect yourconfidence when dealing face to face with new people.

You asked about how to present yourself. I suppose youare thinking of what to wear –more of that later. Let’s nowexamine social networking. The facilities offered by Twitter,Facebook, Linked In, Word Press and whatever will appearin 2013 are amazing ways of adding to your self-portrait. Byworking with them you will begin to know yourself better.Because these media thrive on users writing with brevityyou’ll soon find you are better at discussing what interestsyou. This in turn will inspire you to research subjects youhave a passion for and in time, you will become even moreexpert in them. Social networking consumes both time andmoney but has become the marketing method of choicesimply because people gravitate to these sites with thesame verve as they delete both solicited and unsolicitedemails and recycle paper mailings they have not evenbothered to open.

So, when you have decided how big or small you are andhave become a self-knowing maven you are ready forlaunch. Before you leave home however, remember that aconference with your peers is different from meetingpotential clients. At the company event you are amongtrusted friends and you’re only selling a smile and alistening ear. However, being among customers isaltogether more difficult. You do it because you need to sellto and through them.

And what will you wear? Actually, it doesn’t reallymatter. The purpose of selecting the right clothes andmake up is to suggest competence and expertise. What youput on is secondary to the way you carry it.

After having worked in the High Street for 14 years I’verecently become a home-based travel agent. Given that ourannual conference is coming up and I also need to networkwith prospects, how do I go about presenting myself? Do I need a brand? Sharon - Middlesbrough

MOVERS● PAUL CRIPPS has joined Attraction World as financial

director.● EQUATOR LEARNING has appointed Simon Beeching

as chairman.● TRAVELPORT HAS appointed Patrick Andres as vice

president and regional managing director for theAsia-Pacific region.

● HARD ROCK Hotels’ All Inclusive Collection hasappointed the Destination Representation team tohandle its UK & Ireland sales & marketing activity.The department will be headed by its newly appointeddirector of sales, Tracey Dyson.

● MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS has appointed NickyMarsh as midway marketing director.

● CONDOR FERRIES has appointed James Fulford aschief executive officer, effective from January 2, 2013.

● STA TRAVEL Group has promoted John Constable tochief executive.

● LAURA DAWSON has joined Superbreak as salesexecutive, North West and Yorkshire.

● HOSEASONS HAS appointed Elkie Bird as salesexecutive for the southwest region.

newsbulletin


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Famous outlaw's airport is in this northern UK county

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 22nd. Solution and new

puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 2nd November is Paula Airey, The Travel

House in Aberdare.

November 2 Solution: A=7 B=5 C=2 D=3

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 089

Travagrams

Where Am I?

Su Doku

This airline can be represented by the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet

Tony Christie hit the heights singing about this Texas City on Route 66

Ad Let

Rolla Mai

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted bythe blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword tosubmit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prizedraw and one lucky winner will win £50 Pizza Express vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday November 22nd.

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

Crossword

Num

ber:

089

Sponsored By

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

Across 1. Wightlink operates from this port (9)5. Kiev is the capital (7)6. Flag carrier of Pakistan, initially (3)7. Sharm El-Sheikh airport code (3)8. Resort close to Lisbon (7)9. State capital of Wisconsin (7)11. One of the presenters of

I'm a Celebrity ... (3)12. Australian state, in short (3)13. Part of TUI, they specialise in holidays

to Florida (7)14. London Lane, famous for its market (9

Down 1. Olympic gymnast now competing on

Strictly (5,5)2. Wetland area (5)3. State capital of New Jersey (7)4. New York financial district (4,6)6. Cornish resort, sounds like a golf term (3)8. Low fares airline (7)10. Dusseldorf International airport code (3)11. Car rental company (5)

Congratulations to Jenny Kinsman, Brian Kellett Travel who won the2nd November crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers


THE SAINT Lucia Tourist Board hasannounced that it will focus itsmarketing efforts on promoting theisland’s wealth of activities to thefamily, couples and empty-nestermarket next year, including pushing itskey cultural events such as Fete LaWoz, Jounen Kweyol and Carnival.

The tourist board will also commitincreased marketing spend for jointmarketing activities, agent training

initiatives, trade advertising and its keytrade events – Saint Lucia Month &Agent Awards and Saint LuciaShowcase.

The tourist board's UK & Europedirector of marketing, Jean-MarcFlambert, said: "Next year we aredoubling the number of fam trips foragents to 13 and in June we will belaunching a Saint Lucia showcase forUK travel agents who have completed

the online training. The events willoffer destination training and will giveagents the opportunity to meet withhoteliers for one-to-one meetings.

"As well as completing the onlinetraining, we are also encouragingagents to log their bookings on ourWebsite for the chance to win a rangeof prizes."For more information visitwww.stlucianow.co.uk

KENYA WILL host more than500 tourism industry leadersfrom around the world at theEcotourism and SustainableTourism Conference (ESTC),which will be hosted in Africafor the first time in Septembernext year. The Kenya TourismBoard (KTB) will co-host theevent with Ecotourism Kenyawith a focus on solutions toadvance sustainability goals forthe tourism industry. For details seewww.ecotourismconference.org

Meanwhile, the destinationreports that the UK continues to account for the largestnumber of international visitors to Kenya, with the most recentstatistics showing a 15.6% share of the overall market. Thenumber of UK tourists visiting Kenya reached more than125,000 between January and August in both 2011 and 2012with four of the eight months measured showing an increase invisitors in 2012 when compared to the 2011 figures.

The Kenya Tourism Board UK & Ireland is working to

promote its niche productsincluding golf, business travel,weddings and honeymoons, towiden Kenya’s appeal to the UKand Irish markets. The tourismboard also aims to increaseawareness of Kenya’s luxuryaccommodation and additionaltourism offerings such ashealth and wellness,voluntourism, homestays andbusiness travel, and is focusingpromotional activity on therange of offerings available onKenya’s Indian Ocean coastline.

Acting director ofmarketing for the KTB Jacinta Nzioka Mbithi said: "We arecurrently working on an awareness campaign to open upnew regions where we haven't had tourists before, This hasbeen helped by new domestic carriers opening up newroutes in smaller towns.

"Our other commitment is to eco-tourism. Kenya offerstourism attractions that are natural rather than man-made, soconservation is on our agenda as a priority."

ONYX Hospitality Group introduces OZOONYX HOSPITALITY Group has unveiled OZO, a selectservices hotel experience created for clients who cravethe basics - a good night's sleep on a great bed, a goodbreakfast, great connectivity and all the necessities of acomfortable stay.

While hotel and resort properties will vary accordingto location, the core of OZO's design philosophy will besignature to every experience. At the heart of the hotel,the Spot will be a central multi-functional hub of activitywith features such as check-in pods and orientationtouchpads for tech-savvy guests.

The first OZO property will be OZO Wesley Hong Kong,followed by more developments in Sri Lanka, Thailandand Malaysia, bringing the total number of new OZOprojects under development to seven.

The company's executive vice president Duncan Webbsaid: "Amari is now an established brand for the tradebut we now want to give our partners the same level ofclient experience at a lower price point.

"The OZO concept takes away the fancy frills but stilloffers a high quality experience - from high qualitybedlinen through to free Wi-fi and great locations."For more information visit www.ozohotels.com

Kenya to host 2013 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference

Saint Lucia Tourist Board showcases ‘agent appeal' with fam trips & incentives


wtmreport

CAMPAIGN CREW...getting ready to unveil its new campaign at WTM,'Break in the City' which highlights affordable packages to Jeruselemand Tel Aviv, are, from the left: Stas Misezhnikou, Minister ofTourism; Naama Oryan-Kaplan, UK & Ireland director of the IsraelGovernment Tourist Board; and Noaz Bar Nir, director general. For details visit www.thinkisrael.com

S04 TB1611 WTM Report_Layout 1 13/11/2012 15:07 Page 12


NYC & Companyencouragesvisitors to holidaylike a local NYC & company isencouraging visitors to takeadvantage of the holidayseason's hidden treasuresin addition to the well-known events throughoutthe city's five boroughs.Annual winter eventsinclude the 86th annualMacy's Thanksgiving DayParade, The New YorkBotanical Gardens’ HolidayTrain Show and Radio CityMusic Hall's ChristmasSpectacular.

Meanwhile, the companyhas unveiled new factsheets for both consumersand the trade, available todownload from its Website,the first of which highlightsLong Island City in Queens.

The company's senior vicepresident Fred Dixon said:"There's been an expansionof hotels all across the citywhich has brought newproduct and price point tothe market and the tradeneed help in selling theseareas. That is why wedecided to launch the newfact sheets, which highlighthotels and culturalattractions as well as otherinformation, and act as atoolkit for agents selling toclients looking for value andaffordability."

Agents can also access thecompany's 'Save the Date'planning tool, which offersthe best dates on hotel valueand availability to clients. For more information visitwww.nycgo.com/traveltrade

ROTANA HAS announced thatit will continue its aggressivegrowth strategy in order toachieve its aim of opening amanaged property in all themajor cities throughout theMEA region and beyond withinthe next five years.

President and CEO ofRotana, Selim El Zyr, said: "In2013, we will more thandouble our property openingscompared to 2012 and wehave recently announced ahotel agreement in Turkey

and just signed an agreementfor a property in Mauritania inWest Africa, a first for us inboth countries."

As well as announcing thesigning of the managementcontract for the company'sfirst hotel in Mauritania, toopen in late 2014, El Zyr alsoshared the impendingopening date of its first hotelin Oman.

Situated in Salalah in theSultanate of Oman, the five-star Salalah Rotana Resort is

set to open in the secondquarter of next year and islocated in a prime coastalspot, offering 399 guestrooms and 45 three- andfour-bedroom villas.

The resort features aprivate beach, tropicalgardens, lagoon-styleswimming pool, lobby bar andcafé, all day dining area,speciality restaurant, a spaand four meeting rooms.For more information visitwww.rotana.com

AUDLEY TRAVEL has launched a new US travel itinerary andhas for the first time included Philadelphia within its ‘Citiesof the East’ itinerary. The company, which specialises increating tailor-made itineraries for the discerning traveller,encompasses visits to Washington, DC., New York,Philadelphia and Boston, within the ten-day itinerary. For details see www.audleytravel.com

Meanwhile, Kirker Holidays has included Philadelphia inits 2013 brochure. A six-night Art & Music tour visits bothBaltimore and Philadelphia's finest art collections, includingthe newly relocated Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia

Museum of Art, as well as the Baltimore Museum of Art. Thetour departs from Heathrow on April 23 and includesaccommodation at the recently renovated four-star LathamHotel in Philadelphia. As well as two half-day walking toursin Philadelphia, the itinerary includes musical highlights bythe Opera Company of Philadelphia, the PhiladelphiaOrchestra and a performance of Rinaldo by Handel by theCurtis Opera Theatre. For details see www.kirkerholidays.com For more information on Philadelphia call 0115-922 9255 orvisit www.discoverphl.com

Audley Travel & Kirker Holidays add new itineraries and packages to Philadelphia

wtmreport

GOLDEN GROUP... Rotana hosted a VIP Golden Getaway Champagne reception at its Global Villagestand. Attendees were presented with a gold envelope for the chance to win a stay at one of thecompany's 43 hotels across 14 countries, and to add to the glamour of the event, a model adorned ingold from head-to-toe was on hand to present the invitations. Pictured with the model is Sheena Patonfrom Kuoni; Omer Kaddouri (second from left) from Rotana; and Southall Travel’s Shuban Kotwal.

Rotana announces aggressive growth strategy

THE SPANISH National Tourist Office has launched a social news hub; a robust cloud-hosted social media news platform that incorporates all existing and new social mediachannels in one place.

The hub is connected to more than 323 social channels and offers a wide range ofservices for users such as regularly updated news content, downloadable copy andimages, quotes, links, polls and video links.

The objective of the hub is to create a one-stop-shop for content which makes themost of the latest social media channels in a tangible and trackable way. For details see www.spain.info

Spanish Tourist Office launches social news hub


THE VISIT Brazil Travel Association(VBRATA) has launched a new onlinebrochure, online training for travelagents and has announced the state ofMinas Gerais as Destination of theYear for 2012/13.

With the next World Cup takingplace in Brazil in 2014 and theOlympics in 2016, VBRATA iscommitted to ensuring UK travelagents have the information, tools andexpertise to sell the destinationconfidently with additional salesopportunities and options to exploreregions outside of Rio de Janeiro andother main tourist haunts. Using theVBRATA Website and training on theOnline Travel Training platform,modules are already completed forBrazil, and the states of Pernambucoand Minas Gerais.

Minas Gerais, located in the southeast of the country, offers a mix ofculture, gastronomy, ecotourism andoffers no less than 60% of Brazil’snational heritage, including three citiesclassified UNESCO World Heritage Sites:Ouro Preto, Diamantina and Congonhas.

VBRATA’s partnership executiveChris Fuzinatto said: “Brazil has aonce in a lifetime opportunity tomaximise tourism in the lead up to,during and after the forthcomingWorld Cup and Olympics. We

recognise the value that travel agentscan bring and are keen to work withthem to ensure they are aware ofbreadth and diversity of salesopportunities in our country. Workingjointly with our tour operator, airline

and other partners we are entering anexciting era for VBRATA, Brazil and thetravel trade in the UK who want towork with us.” For details visit www.vbrata.org andwww.onlinetraveltraining.com

Tunisia hits second wave of campaignTHE TUNISIAN National Tourist Office (TNTO) is into thesecond wave of its tourism campaign for this year,highlighting the destination's five key pillars - beachholidays, the Sahara desert, archaeology & culture, golfand spa & thalassotherapy.

The TNTO's UK director, Wahida Jaiet, said: "The mainreason UK visitors travel to Tunisia is not necessarily theculture, the golf or the desert, but to experience the diverserange of resorts Tunisia offers. Brits are looking for an easy-going holiday with sun and good food, so this is somethingwe will continue to promote, along with our niche products.

"Next year we will be looking to highlight more of theseniche products and promote Tunisia's efforts at developingnew products for tourists. For example, within the nextcouple of years Tunisia will have four more golf courses."

According to the TNTO, the UK market is proving to bevery resilient, with a substantial increase of 51.9% fromJanuary to September this year compared with last year.

Jaiet said: "It is perhaps more realistic to compare thisyear's figures with those we saw in 2010, our best year forUK visitors with 350,000 arrivals. By the end of this year weare aiming for between 320,000 and 330,000 UK arrivals andfor 2013 we are aiming to repeat the visitor numbers wesaw in 2010, if not overtake that figure.

"What will help in achieving those goals is to continueworking hard with the trade and we will do this through avariety of measures including roadshows, e-blastcampaigns and fam trips."

Visit Brazil Travel Association launches Minas Gerais training module for agents

BRAZIL BUDDIES...pictured marking the announcement of Minas Gerais as Destination of theYear for 2012/13 are, from the left: Lilás Nascimento, Minas Gerais State Tourist Board;Chris Fuzinatto, VBRATA; Marcelo Pedroso, Embratur; Agostinho Patrus Filho; Minas GeraisState Tourist Board; and Travel Bulletin's Nick Boocock.


wtmreport

TUNISIA TALK...Travel Bulletin's Simon Eddollsmeets up with UK director of the Tunisian National

Tourist Office, Wahida Jaiet, at this year's WTM.



ONLINE TRAVEL Training announced the launch of its newglobal site and its new name at WTM. Under the new brandname of OTT, with a new URL www.ott.travel and a newlogo, the site’s 120 different courses are now available inany language and across all worldwide regions.

The site now allows travel suppliers such as airlines, touroperators, destinations, attractions, rail, cruise operatorsand car rental companies to educate, incentivise and marketto travel professionals across the world.

OTT's operations director Bruce Martin said: "This is animmensely exciting time for us. In today’s highlycompetitive global market, it is vital that travelprofessionals develop their skills and understanding so theycan sell effectively and provide the level of service andknowledge which consumers expect. Investing in personaldevelopment also benefits the individual, providing greaterjob satisfaction and the opportunity to earn some excellentincentives and fam trips."

Travel agents signing up for courses will experience newfeatures on the site including an improved look and feel,achievement badges for students as they progress and anintegrated revenue tracker.

The new platform places greater emphasis on measuringresults and a new management reporting system makes it

possible to track how many students access training andmonitors how many bookings are being made as a result ofthe course. Global courses are set to launch soon inAustralia, the Middle East, India and Canada.For more information visit www.ott.travel

TOURISM MALAYSIA has launched 'Master Malaysia', anonline training programme, developed by Travel Uni. Theprogramme consists of four modules, with 'Ron' theOrang Utan giving tips along the way, and is specificallydesigned for agents to learn how to sell the destination.

A spokesperson for the tourist office said: "Our aim is toraise awareness about the tourism products Malaysia has tooffer. We will continue promoting traditional products, at

the same time generating new product offerings that thetrade might not have seen previously.

“Examples include new opportunities for the familymarket such as the launch of the recent Legoland and HelloKitty, which opens next year.

"Malaysia offers exceptional value for money and is avery diverse destination without being commercialised -all great selling points for agents to highlight to clients."

Bruce Martin (left), operations director at OTT and Martin Courtfrom Texas Tourism celebrate OTT's new Website and brand name.

TAP-PING INTO BRAZIL...TAP Portugal is promoting its new daily flight schedule between Manchester and Lisbon and is focusing its effortson promoting its routes to Brazil for 2013, with 74 flights weekly to nine destinations in the country. Pictured marking the new flightannouncements is the airline's marketing manager, Simon Forster (right) with Travel Bulletin's Nick Boocock.

Online Travel Training unveils new global site & new name

wtmreport

New online training programme for agents from Tourism Malaysia


pixmix


MARKING MATTALA...pictured celebrating the development of Sri Lanka's second

international airport, Mattala, are, from the left: Nadisha Samarakoon, Srilankan

Airlines; H.E. Dr Chris Nonis, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka; Hon Lakshman Yapa

Abeywardena, deputy minister of Economic Delevopment; Nishantha Wickremasinghe,

Srilankan Airlines; Bashwara Gunarathna, Sri Lanka Tourism; and Shiny

Narandeniya, Srilankan Airlines.

JOLLY AT JORDAN...pictured at a cake cutting cremony

to mark 200 years since Swiss explorer Johann

Burckhardt rediscovered the lost Nabataean city of Petra,

are, from the left: Mahfouz Kishek and Dr Abdul Al

Razzaq Arabiyat, Jordan Tourism Board; Mohammad

Queisi, Commissioner of Tourism Investment (Petra

Authority); Nayef Al Fayez and Sarah Noor, Jordan

Tourism Board; and Debbie Flynn, Brighter Group.

GAMBIA GROUP...pictured catching up on business

are, from the left: Chris Alan Schubert, Gambia

Bird; Hon. Fatou Mass Jobe Njie, minister of

tourism for the Republic of the Gambia; and

Chris Gascoine from Travel Bulletin.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS...the Ecuador Ministry of Tourism announcedthat its focus for Ecuador for this year and into 2013 is conscious tourism,a concept based on ethical and sustainable principles to contribute to animproved tourism performance. Pictured at the stand is PatricioTamariz, advisor to the minister of tourism with Anita Albán Mora(second from right), ambassador of Ecuador, with the stand's representa-tives, who are showcasing the destination's traditional costumes.

CENTENARY COUNTDOWN...pictured at the French Nord/Pas de Calais

stand during the launch of plans for the centenary of WW1 (where French

departments in the north of France and Flanders in Belgium are working

together to promote the battle fields and visitors’ sites) are, from the left;

Benoit Dieval, Pas de Calais tourism; Delphine Bartier, Nord Tourism; and

Mathilde Mereaux, coordinator for Nord Tourism.

CYPRUS CALL...pictured catching up at the Rural Cyprus stand are, from the left:Philippos P. Drousiotis, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative; Evie Panayiotou,Cyprus Agrotourism Company; Annita Demetriadou Papagergi, director oftourism, Cyprus Tourism Organisation; Jeanette Ratcliffe, Travel Bulletin; andYannis Efthymiou, Association of Greek-Cypriot Travel Agents (AGTA) UK.

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training

A RE YOUR personal sales figures down? Do you feel that you are going through a lean patch? No getting on the podium? Perhaps it is time to

review some of the sales basics.

Benefits – the driving force behind every purchase"People buy a product because it will do something forthem or give them something" Take insurance for example; clients are not interested inbuying an insurance policy. They are buying convenience,security, protection for the family or whatever. The clientis interested in themselves and their needs - not you orthe travel provider. ● Are you putting yourself in their shoes? ● Why are they buying? ● What’s important to them? ● What don’t they want?

When the client will not decide – don’t switch off. Hesitation or indecision can mean that: ● Your client requires more information ● You have not explored their needs fully ● You have not emphasised benefits enough ● The client needs reassurance before making

a decision

You may find that the reason for hesitating is a realconcern, or that it is an excuse, in which case furtherobjections will crop up - as a means of stalling. Askquestions gently but don’t challenge the client. The toneof your voice is important. Suggest to the client that ifyou can overcome the stated problem or issue you cango ahead with the booking. You are less likely to get client hesitation or indecision inthe first place if you do your groundwork correctly by: ● Asking questions/listening, ● Finding out likes and dislikes, ● Discovering previous holiday successes ● Fully establishing the criteria for choice

Getting the decision You must "ask for the business". It isn't being pushy -it's what you are there for! Try getting the decision assoon as you spot some buying signals or you feel that

the client is warming to a holiday suggestion. You won'tget the booking unless you ask for it!

Key questions for successful sales Tick the ones that you could see yourself using and trythem on a client! Feel free to mix and match words andadd your own questions of course.

Looker or booker? ● Are you in a position to book today? ● Are you planning to book today? ● If that is available are you thinking of booking today? ● If we have space/availability on/at would you like me to

book it for you? ● If space is there would you like to go ahead and book it

today? ● Is this an enquiry or will you be booking today? ● Would you be interested in booking today if we can find

something suitable for you? ● If I can find something to meet your budget would you

like to go ahead today?

Alternatives include: ● Why did you choose that particular holiday? ● What was it that made you choose that

particular hotel? ● May I ask you why you decided on that particular hotel?

(or date etc .....) ● What did you like about the hotel? ● What was it about the hotel that appealed to you? ● What other alternative might you be interested in? ● What would you like me to avoid?

Hesitation ● What in particular are you unsure about? ● What, in particular are you concerned about? ● Is there anything about the hotel that you are

unsure about? ● What else would you like to know about that

particular hotel? ● What other information can I give you to help you make

your mind up?

by PETER MARSH, Peter Marsh Associates

Sales: what’s your tally ofGold, Silver and Bronzemedals this season?

● continues on next page

S05 TB1611 Training_Layout 1 13/11/2012 15:14 Page 17

training


TIPTO HELD its latest roadshow in Leicester. Pictured is MarikaRiddick from Travel Counsellors, who won a one-night four-starLondon theatre break for two, presented by Mark Riddle ofNewmarket Holidays. The next roadshows will be inSouthampton on November 21, Worcester on November 22 andPreston on November 28.

Get Connected with If Only... AS PART of its current Mauritius campaign, If Only... andthe UK office of the Mauritius Tourism PromotionAuthority (MTPA) is offering agents the chance to winApple’s newest iPad – the iPad 3 in time for Christmas.

Agents logging on the Travel Partners Zone on thecompany’s Website at www.ifonly.net/agents can enter asimple quiz which asks ten questions about some of thebest resorts on the island.

Every correct entry will be included in the prize draw -announced on December 15.

New UK departures module from RCI & CelebrityWITH FIVE ships sailingfrom UK ports of call nextyear and more Europeanitineraries, RoyalCaribbean Internationaland Celebrity Cruises havelaunched a new trainingmodule designed to engageand educate agents on themany new optionsavailable to cruisers nextsummer. The modulecontains everything agentsneed to know about thenew itineraries and thedestinations they visit, andallows agents to exploreand take part in funinteractive games relatingto the new itineraries. Italso features visualtraining sessions thatinclude quizzes and videosto keep agents motivatedand engaged.

Michelle Russell, tradetraining manager for RoyalCaribbean International,Celebrity Cruises andAzamara Club Cruises,said: “Next year is the firsttime we’ve had five shipssailing from UK ports ofcall and this moduleprovides agents with theperfect opportunity tobrush up on all the newitineraries and first-timedestinations our cruiseline’s will visit nextsummer." For more information visitwww.cruisingpower.co.uk

● What other information canI offer you to put your mindat ease?

● Is there anything else thatyou are uncertain/unhappyabout?

● What other information doyou think yourpartner/other members ofthe party might need?

● How do you think yourpartner/other members ofthe party will feel about this holiday?

Closing ● I can book it now for you if

you wish? ● We have only got the one

room left would you like tobook it today?

● Can I confirm that for you? ● Would you like me to go

ahead and make thebooking for you?

● Would you like me to goahead and finalise that foryou?

● Shall I go ahead and makethe booking for you?

● Shall we confirm that?

The difference between agood and a mediocre salesperson is that the top salespeople (plus athletes andsportsmen and women) taketime out to reflect on theirperformance figures, reviewtheir techniques and, mostimportantly, change and try adifferent approach ifnecessary. Doing the sameold thing in the same old waywill simply bring the sameold results - don’t get caughtup in a sales rut! ✦

● continued from previous page

S05 TB1611 Training_Layout 1 13/11/2012 15:14 Page 18

CRESTA HAS added Corsica to its France brochure for 2013, on the back of demand and increased interest in the destination. A rangeof new experiences are available including the option to twin Cote d’Azur cities with the island. Corsica hotels include the three-star Hotel La Pinede in Ajaccio, where a night's bed-and-breakfast stay costs from £49 per person, and Hotel Pietracap, a three-starproperty in the town of Pietranera where a night's breakfast stay leads in at £65. The operator is highlighting a seven-night stay forthe price of six, available on stays from April 1-May 7 and September 25-November 30. Flights are available with easyJet, with directflights Sunday to Sunday from April to September. For details visit www.bctagent.co.uk or call 0844-800 7017


corsica

CORSICAN PLACES has issued its 2013 brochure offeringvisitors a new Heathrow to Figari flight with British Airwaysfor the first time, plus its largest collection of villas,apartments and hotels available on theisland with more than 140 properties,including 12 new additions.

Early booking offers include savings of£50 per person on selected holidays,increased child discounts, and free UKairport lounge access. Offers apply tobookings made by November 30 for thosetravelling on the operator's charterflights; Stansted-Calvi, Manchester-Calviand new Heathrow-Figari service.

A total of 12 properties are new fornext year including ten self-cateringproperties and two hotels. These includeVilla les Oliviers, a three-bedroomBergerie style property surrounded byvineyards in the Patrimonio region ofNorth East Corsica, where some ofCorsica’s best wine and Muscats areproduced; and Casa Mia, a two-bedroom villa in the southof the island occupying a mountain location, overlookingthe Gulf of Porto Vecchio.

The five-star Casadelmar Hotel offers a beachsidelocation just outside Porto Vecchio, in the south of the

island and offers guests views across the bay to CalaRossa. Facilities include a spa, infinity pool andgastronomic restaurant.

Meanwhile, the operator's new flight from Heathrow toFigari will be the only UK flight to thedestination and enables the company tofurther develop its portfolio within thesouth of the island. A morning departuretime, including in-flight meal, pre-allocated seating and luggage allowanceare among the selling points of the newflight.

The operator is continuing its Stanstedto Calvi service for a third season withTitan Airways as well as its Manchester toCalvi charter with Flybe. For families thereare child discounts plus free carriage of carseats and pushchairs on all the operator'scharter flights, plus free use of cots andhigh chairs.

The company is also offering a choice ofwalking and cycling tours for next year, withfree bike carriage on its Stansted-Calvi flight

(subject to availability). Tailor-made itineraries can also bearranged along with a Corsica Sardinia twin-centre holiday.For more information or to book call 0845-330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Corsican Places launches new brochure featuring more than 140 properties

S06 TB1611 Corsica_Layout 1 13/11/2012 10:45 Page 19

A VOTRE SANTE… The Britishgroup enjoys wine tasting at ClosColumbu vineyard.

CAP CORSE… Herve Perrotin from

SNCM (left) visits the bridge of the Pascal

Paoli SNCM ferry and meets Captain

Philippe Pieraggi. They are pictured with

Kirsty Laifa, Travel Gateway aferry .co.uk

and Meryam Boumenar (far right) from

Southern Ferries.

COMING UP ROSÉ…pictured are Kirsty Laifa

from Travel Gateway aferry .co.uk (left), with

Etienne Suzzoni owner of the Clos Columbu

vineyard near Calvi and Marie Riolacci from the

chamber of commerce, Bastia and L’Ile Rousse

SNCM/SOUTHERN Ferries recently hosted a fam to Corsica. Thegroup took the SNCM Pascal Paoli ferry from Marseille to Bastiawhich included dinner, overnight in a cabin and breakfast followedby a few days in Corsica.For more information visitwww.southernferries.com

SOUTHERN BELLES…setting sail to Corsica

from Marseille are Harriet Massetti (left)

from TUI/Thomson UK with Rachel

Hilsdon from Low Cost Travel

fambulletin


FERRY GOOD FRIENDS…picturedare Meryam Boumenar fromSouthern Ferries (left) with Jean-Felix Acquaviva , director of theCentral Corsica Office of Tourism ;and Natalie Colonna , owner of theHotel Dominique Colonna , Corte

DINNER ABOARD… seated for dinner on the PascalPaoli SNCM ferry are, from the left: Bob Atkinson, TravelSupermarket; Linda Aplin, VLV Holidays; Michael Shaw,French Connections; Harriet Massetti TUI/Thomson UK;and Meryam Boumenar, Southern Ferries.


Seven-night Highlights of the Med cruise from Thomson Cruises THOMSON CRUISES is offering a seven-night Highlightsof the Mediterranean Cruise which includes Corsica onthe Thomson Dream from £779 per person. The itineraryincludes visits to Palma, Mallorca; Ajaccio, Corsica;Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy; Livorno (for Florence andPisa), Italy; St Raphael, France and Barcelona; Spain.

Based on two adults sharing on a full-board basis,the cruise departs on May 18, 2013 from Norwich andBournemouth airports. Prices include flights, cabinsupplements, fuel supplements, ship transfers, servicecharges and tips. For more information or to book visitthomson.co.uk/cruise or call 0871-231 3243

Kirker adds Corsica to short breaks programme

KIRKER HAS added Corsica to its short breaks andtailor-made holidays programme.

The destination features in the operator's firstdedicated France brochure and the lead in package pricefor seven nights at the four-star superior Radisson BluResort & Spa costs from £1,198 per person. At the highend, seven nights at the five-star deluxe Grand Hotel deCala Rossa costs from £1,698.

Prices are based on two sharing and include flights,car hire and breakfast accommodation. For more information or to book call 020-7593 2288 orsee www.kirkerholidays.com

MARK WARNER is promoting its San Lucianu Beach Resort inCorsica, which leads in at £874 per person for a weekdeparting on June 1, 8 or 15 next year, with prices for aSeptember 21, 2013 departure starting from £691. The priceincludes BA flights, half-board accommodation, transfers plusa range of activities and child care/entertainment options. For details call 0844-273 6796 or see www.markwarner.co.uk


Discover Corsica

The island of beauty

Corsica.co.uk/Trade

For brochures, trade log-ins & agency support

0845 330 2066

5113

Handpicked private villas, character apartments & hotels. Convenient direct

morning fl ights from Stansted, Manchester and Heathrow airports.

corsica



uk&ireland

THE LONDON 2012 games will leave us all withmany abiding memories. The Games’ motto ofinspiring a generation seems to have been

superseded; leaving a whole nation inspired and alsochallenged the global audience to look at Great Britainthrough a different lens. At home the negativeexpectation of a games expected to be delivered overbudget and only be accessible to a corporate audiencewas trumped by unmitigated success and thankfullycynics changed their chips and replaced with atypically British, we showed Dunkirk spirit.

Going for goldThe opening ceremony set the tone, acknowledged ourpast and showcased a modern multicultural Britain. Itwas brave and many argued out of step with a nationwhich is often criticised with failing to be inclusive andfailing to provide all communities with a sense of identity.But maybe just maybe (and I am an optimist), thecelebratory events of the last 18 months saw the Olympicgames as a fitting tipping point for British pride, buildingon the earlier celebrations of the Royal Wedding Jubilee,and acknowledging a diverse nation whose differencesand diversity can make us great again.

So the stage for London 2012 was set and the perfectingredients of potential sporting excellence, culturalbrilliance and architectural triumphs; all cocooned inuncharacteristic sunshine and an even warmer welcomefrom the British public. We added the electricity withsell-out crowds and a tribal obsession behind team GB(possibly with the exception of team Yorkshire). As weclimbed the medal table - we all cheered until handswere red raw and throats were hoarse. Even the Frenchand Australian media lauded London as the greatestgames ever!

But in amongst the fabulous sporting achievements,arguably the greatest team of the games were the70,000 volunteers - the purple people. All of theseheroes are deserving of all the plaudits and recognitionthey have received since the closing of the games.

So what was so special about these purple people?They weren’t professional games makers shipped in by

the International Olympic Committee. They were peoplelike you and me and they came from all corners of theUK, from all walks of life and from every age group.

The best of BritishWithout fail these volunteers demonstrated the verybest in British hospitality. We proved that we canconsistently deliver a warm welcome and a serviceexperience to rival the very best. They had an exemplaryattitude, a clear mission and had been exceptionallytrained. Nothing was left to chance.

The net result was a professional, committed andpassionate team who amplified our enjoyment of thegames which in turn contributed immeasurably to thegames’ overall success.

With so much to celebrate and be proud of, VisitEngland are correct to build on the tourism legacy. Justas the sporting governing bodies would like us to bemore active and participate in sport either as avolunteer or competitor, we should take the time toexplore and enjoy the great holidays on offer closer tohome. This doesn't need to be as an alternative tooverseas travel; both offer invaluable experiences whichenrich our lives.

For travel agents the UK still offers a significantearning opportunity and as a sector it continues to grow.Families in 2012 continued to search out value formoney holidays as the current economic conditions putpressure on the household purse.

So after hosting the greatest show on earth - arguably2013 presents the perfect opportunity for High Streetagents to raise the profile of UK holidays and capitaliseon this lucrative market. A recent poll of 1,000 travelagents suggested that 68% thought that recent Britishevents would have a positive impact on the customerswhen considering their families holiday in 2013.

Advance bookings are strong. So whether a UK breakis your customers’ main holiday or a short break, howare you and your team going to make the most of thisopportunity? UK operators like ourselves are committedto supporting you and hopefully together we can achieveOlympic success. ✦

by ALLAN LAMBERT, head of retailsales, Bourne Leisure

How agents cancapitalise on the successof the Olympics

S07 TB1611 UK & Ireland_Layout 1 14/11/2012 10:53 Page 22


uk&irleand

LONDON & Partners, theofficial promotionalorganisation for the capital,has unveiled a new andimproved visitlondon.comWebsite, aimed at domesticand overseas visitors.

The new-look site, whichaims to provide the bestguide to the city, has beenrefreshed with a clearerand more engaging layout.There's a simple navigationwith five main sections,easy-to-use drop downmenus and improvedsearch functionality. Thenew Discover Londonsection gives first-timevisitors a better onlineexperience, withinspirational features andtools for planning their visitto London.

Enhanced social mediainteractivity has also beenat the forefront of changes.The site now allows forsimpler integrated use ofFacebook, Yahoo, Googleand Windows Live log-in,letting visitors sharecontent more easily. Thesite is also fully optimisedfor mobile and tabletdevices.

COTTAGES4YOU IS launching its new Irish brochurenext month, featuring a collection of more than 450cottages, of which 50 are new. Cottages start from£199 per week, based on arrivals between October1-24, 2013 for seven nights.

The New Year will also see the launch of thecompany's luxury collection online, while clientswith young families can choose from a collection ofbaby and toddler-friendly cottages, which includefacilities such as a cot, high chair, baby bath, black-out blinds, children’s crockery, sterilisers andnightlights.

Each region in Ireland is given an introduction in the new brochure, highlighting localareas of interest as well as key transport links. Every property featured will have low, midand high price point indicators to assist customers with their decision, as well as mapreferences so that properties can easily be located.

RABBIE’S IS expanding its productoffering in 2013 in celebration of 20years of small group touring. Newoptions include a new Isle of Skye andthe West Highland four-day tourdeparting from Edinburgh on sevendates between May and October, whilethe Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skyetour will extend to a six-day expedition.

Visitors can explore Scotland’sancient past from prehistoric to themedieval on the operator's CastleExperience Tour for 2013. The country’smost famous royal residences willfeature highly on this tour – whichdeparts between May and September –as well as the stories of epic battles,mystical legends and bravery.

Clients will stay overnight in twocastle-style hotels and will haveexclusive access to some of the mosthistorically important houses andcastles in Scotland. Departures from

Glasgow include a new one-dayCulzean Castle, Burns Country and theAyrshire Coast, as well as an extra dayon the Oban, Glencoe & West HighlandLochs & Castles tour.

Meanwhile, multi-day tours fromDublin will feature two new tours – theNorthern Ireland and the Atlantic Coasttour and the All Ireland Explorer. Thefive-day Northern Ireland and theAtlantic Coast tour takes an extensivelook at the culture, history and legendsof the country with overnight stays inPortrush, Donegal, and Westport. TheAll Ireland Explorer is a nine-day tourcombining a Northern Ireland and theAtlantic Coast and Escape to the Westfive-day tour, giving travellers a freeafternoon and evening to exploreGalway between tours.

Following the company's success ofLondon departure tours this year, theHeart of England and North Wales

three-day tour will be replaced by theHeart of England, North Wales and Yorkfour-day tour, departing on Tuesdayand Friday. And as the first of its kind inthe UK, the new Highlights of England& North Wales seven-day tour willallow customers to travel to Edinburghfrom London, covering the highlights ofnorth Wales, Shakespeare country, thePeak district, York and the LakeDistrict.

The company's Island Hoppingprogramme of ten-, 12-, 14- and 17-daytours also have additional dates nextsummer, giving visitors more choiceand options to visit the Scottish islandsincorporated on the itineraries,including Islay, Iona, Mull, Skye, Orkneyand the Outer Hebrides.

All tours are restricted to amaximum of 16 passengers. For more information visitwww.rabbies.com

cottages4you issues dedicated Ireland brochureThe Glass House, Dingle, Co. Kerry

London’s officialtourism Websitereceives new look

HILTON LONDON Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has created a Premoon package, aimed at newlyweds andcouples travelling out of Heathrow. It includes an overnight stay in a luxury guestroom, breakfast, a meal fortwo, a spa experience, a gift, and two week's car parking. Prices lead in at £321 per room.

Rabbie’s marks 20 years of small group touring with programme expansion



uk&ireland

Our 2013 brochures are here!

First child goes freeon school holiday & term-time

weekend breaksOUR TRUE INTENT IS ALL FOR YOUR DELIGHT

2013

Terms and conditions: All offers are subject to promotional

availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Full brochure

terms and conditions apply. Warner Leisure Hotels customers

must be over 21 years of age.

To book visit BourneLeisureSales.co.uk

To order brochures visit Trade-Gate.co.uk

Save up to 50% on 7 nights or more in spring,

May, June, early July and autumn

Pay in full and

Save a GUARANTEED 50% on 1000s of rooms

UK SHORT BREAKS • COUNTRY HOTELS • COASTAL HOTELS • COASTAL VILLAGES

JANUARY - DECEMBER 2013

1

SAVE A GUARANTEED

50%*

on 1000s of rooms

See pages 8-9 for details

58301

New GreenGetaways fromWightlink WIGHTLINK HAS expanded itscollection of character holidayaccommodation to offer fournew Green Getaways, whichjoin the existing collection ofcottages, barns, yurts, tipisand green belt campsites.

To qualify for inclusion as aGreen Getaway, accommodationmust have an idyllic rural location, and examples rangefrom a treehouse to a working farm for animal lovers.

Built into ancient oak trees that have been coppiced andintertwined, Into the Woods Treehouse is the first property ofits type to be featured by the company, and makes an idealbreak for eco-conscious holidaymakers who are looking for aback-to-nature woodland experience, close to secludedbeaches on the Isle of Wight’s north coast.

At Nettlecombe Farm in the heart of South Wightcountryside near Whitwell, families can stay on a workingfarm in the company of a menagerie of animals thatinclude ponies, donkeys, peacocks and a reindeer. Thereare nine self-catering properties on the farm, includingquaint cottages and converted stables. The property alsowelcomes dogs. For more information on the new properties visitwww.wightlink.co.uk/greengetaways

BROCHURE BUDDIES…pictured marking the launch of WarnerLeisure Hotels’ 2013 brochure are Steve Malloy (left) of ThomasCook, Hemel Hempstead with Stuart Cowell, Bourne LeisureAgency Sales. The brochure features agent-friendly advice,activities, product news, early booking offers and new incentives.A new entertainment programme has also been announced andacts announced so far for 2013 include Ken Dodd, Russell Watson,Candi Staton, Billy Ocean and Elaine Paige.Prices for a four-night break start from £105 per person atLakeside Coastal Village based on a January 7 departure. See www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141 1111.

HOSEASONS HAS launched its flagship Lodges and Parksin the UK and Europe programme for 2013, with 485 lodgeand holiday parks in the UK, and a further 79 in Europe.

New to the programme is Daisy Door Cottage StyleCollections, featuring clusters of cottage-styleaccommodation in four locations across the UK, aimed atfamilies, groups of friends and couples. The locations arein Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, Yorkshire and Ayrshire.

Next year also sees a major expansion of the company'sEvermore Lodge Holidays product, which features luxurylodges for families and groups. The number of locationswill increase to ten, with four new locations in Shropshire,Yorkshire and the southern Highlands.

Meanwhile, continued high demand for luxury holidayshas also prompted the operator to increase its AutographLodge Holidays programme by 25%, with five new locationsadded, bringing the total to 25. Offering contemporarylodge holidays, each with a private hot tub, AutographLodges offer the highest standard of accommodation,location and service for couples and groups of friends.

There is also further expansion for 2013 of Hoseasons’Go Active Breaks programme of activity breaks, with twonew locations added to the existing 14 flagship parks, eachoffering a range of indoor and outdoor active experiencesfor all ages.

The programme also features 79 parks in nine Europeancountries. Included in these, and new for 2013, areVoyager First, a collection of four- and five-star parksdesigned with British families in mind, with arepresentative on hand.

A range of early booking discounts, including savings ofup to £100 off holidays during the peak school summerholiday weeks are available.

Hoseasons launches flagship 2013 programme


uk&irleand


DUCHALLY COUNTRY Estate in Perthshire, Scotland, ishelping visitors adapt to new licencing laws which came intoeffect in Scotland recently stating no children are allowed inhotel bars after 21:00. The hotel has added a new children’sgames area adjacent to the bar area so parents can still enjoytime out while the kids are entertained close by.

Winter deals include seven nights for the price of six inone of the premium two- or three-bedroom self-cateringgarden lodges and a deal for a mid-week break for twopeople sharing a double or twin room in the main hotel withbreakfast for £37.50 per person per night (£20 supplementfor weekend nights).For details visit www.clcholidays.com or call 0800-009 6020.

PLANS TO develop a new £2billion world class entertainmentdestination on the Swanscombe Peninsula, North Kent, havebeen unveiled by a consortium of leading UK and internationalcompanies.

The new development will transform the 872-acre brownfield site into one of the largest regeneration projects inEurope, creating up to 27,000jobs and integrating thedevelopment into the localcommunities of Dartford andGravesham.

Development vehicle LondonResort Company Holdings[LRCH] has signed anagreement with ParamountLicensing Inc, the licensingdivision for Hollywood-basedParamount Pictures, to giveexclusive UK licensing for aParamount entertainmentresort at the heart of the site.The agreement does notinclude investment fromParamount Licensing Inc in the project. LRCH is also innegotiations with a range of major British brands to signlicensing agreements.

At the core of the proposed development is Europe’s leadingentertainment destination, with a Paramount-brandedentertainment resort and leisure district, which will feature

Europe’s largest indoor water park, theatres, live musicvenues, attractions, cinemas, restaurants, event space andhotels.

An independent feasibility study has suggested that theentertainment destination will draw in many additional touriststo the UK each year, making a significant contribution to the

economy. Tony Sefton, project leader

for LRCH, said: “Our vision isto create a world classentertainment destination,the first of its kind in the UK.We are at the start of a longjourney, but have beenencouraged by the supportand buy-in we have had todate. We are particularlypleased with the appetite weare seeing from investors,who consider this acompelling investmentproposition.

"Over the next 12-18months we will be progressing the planning application, whileembarking on a wide-reaching programme of communityconsultation, while securing further commercial agreementswith third parties. Our timetable for delivery, including theplanning application process and construction timetable, isgeared towards completion and opening in 2018.”

VISITORS TO the Isles of Scilly are set to benefit from improvedtransport links following the announcement of multi-million poundinvestment programmes. The facilities, expected to be finished aheadof the 2013 season in March, include an increase in scheduled flightsto the islands in line with major improvement programmes takingplace at Lands End Airport, plus a major refurbishment programmeon the Scillonian III foot passenger ferry. A new, purpose builtterminal building, new baggage handling facility, a dedicated arrivalsarea, a new Air Traffic Control and upgraded car parks are all beingcreated at Lands End airport and will be completed for the start of thenew season. On the Island a £4.5million improvement plan for StMary’s Airport is being progressed and the Government has given thegreen light for a formal bid of £8million of Government and Europeanfunding for the development of the Quay on St Mary’s. For details see www.simplyscilly.co.uk and www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

Winter deals at Duchally Country Estate

An artist’s impression of the proposed development

New £2billion entertainment destination unveiled for the South East


uk&ireland


Insight Vacations adds Gaelic Treasures tour to Gold productINSIGHT VACATIONS has added a new itinerary to its luxury Gold product, Gaelic Treasures.

Beginning in Dublin, the tour visits Ireland's National Stud at Kildare and joins an equineprofessional for a behind the scenes look at the Irish National Stud, before heading to Cork tovisit the coastal town of Cobh.

Other highlights include visits to Blarney, Limerick and Galway. The nine-day tour costs from £2,299 per person, based on two sharing and includes flights,

VIP door-to-door airport transfers and accommodation.For details visit www.insightvacations.co.uk

SUPERBREAK HAS added three new hotels to its portfolio ofhotels in London including a new five-star hotel in the heart ofthe capital. Offering new choices for agents to promote in thecapital, all hotels are fully commissionable to agents.

The five-star InterContinental London Westminster opens itsdoors this month and is located within a few minutes' walk ofWestminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.Prices for a night's breakfast stay lead in at £157.75 per person.

The four-star 10 Pembridge Gardens has also been addedand is located in Notting Hill, close to Portobello Road market.

The property consists of a selection of contemporary furnishedstudio apartment suites, with each apartment offering state-of-the-art appliances and free internet access. Prices for a night'sbreakfast stay lead in at £55.50.

Meanwhile, a night's breakfast stay at the newly added four-star Hilton London Wembley costs £57.50. The hotel is close toWembley Stadium and the historic Wembley Arena and offers afitness centre, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. For more information or to book seewww.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS isoffering a range of newGrand Tourer itineraries.

As examples, a five-dayHidden Treasures of theLake District gives visitorsthe chance to experience theLakes with an excursion, byMountain Goat, to Langdalesand Eskdale, as well as atrip on the Ravenglass &Eskdale Railway, a cruise onLake Windermere and a visitto the owl centre atMuncaster Castle.

Prices lead in at £409 perperson and departures areavailable from June toSeptember next year.

A five-day ShakespeareCountry and Warwick Castleoption costs from £369 andis based in ruralWarwickshire in the villageof Charlecote. Highlightsinclude Shakespeare’sStratford-upon-Avon, aguided tour of the majesticstate rooms at WarwickCastle and a visit to RoyalLeamington Spa. Departuresrun from June toSeptember.

Meanwhile, a five-dayRomantic Bath & DowntonAbbey tour includes a fullday excursion to HighclereCastle, the setting of the TVseries Downton Abbey; a tripto Bampton, the location ofthe village-filming forDownton Abbey; and Oxford.

Prices lead in at £379 anddepartures are available inJuly and August. For more information or to book call 0844-824 6351 or visitwww.shearingsagent.com

CAMBRIDGE AIRPORT has announced the return of direct holidays to Jersey from May 2013, inconjunction with Airways Holidays. The holidays have been introduced for next year due topopular demand, following the sell-out success of the operator’s first season of packages fromCambridge Airport to Jersey earlier this year.

Agents are now able to book clients a selection of seven- and 14-night packages to Jersey,departing from May 11, 2013, with prices starting from £404 per person. Clients booking holidaysbefore December 31 will also avoid 2013 price increases. As an added incentive, agents willreceive a £10 Love2Shop voucher for every Cambridge-Jersey booking made between now andDecember 31. To claim, email your booking reference to [email protected]

Robert Mackenzie, the operator's managing director, said: “Agents had a fantastic responsefrom their customers to our Jersey holidays when direct flights launched from CambridgeAirport this summer, so it took no time at all to decide to put summer 2013 services on sale assoon as possible.

"Jersey has always been a favourite destination for UK visitors, with its enviable sunshinerecord, superb sandy beaches and attractions for all age groups. We hope that even moretravellers from the East of England will enjoy the convenience of flying to Jersey direct from theirdoorstep next summer.” For more information or to book visit www.airwaystravel.com or call 0844-415 6651.

Airways Holidays issues new Jersey packages from Cambridge

BEAR-ING ALL...pictured marking the launch of Butlins' new 2013 brochure, which offers a selection of earlybooking offers, news facilities, activities and entertainment, are, from the left: Jamie Lee Evans fromThomas Cook in Bognor; Billy Bear; Sophie Reynolds, Bourne Leisure Agency Sales; Bonnie Bear; and JoAlmond from Thomas Cook in Littlehampton. The brochure showcases a new £12million Splash Waterworlddevelopment at Skegness in time for February half-term; a new fairground at Bognor Regis; plus a range ofnew shows including Jacksons, Blues on the Move, Storybook Pantomime and a Redcoat Gameshow. For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

Superbreak adds three London properties to portfolio with prices from £55.50 per night

New GrandTourer itinerariesfrom Shearings



IT’S PROBABLY difficult to remember when Spainwasn’t somewhere where people chose to take theiroverseas holidays, and certainly over the last 50 years

it has remained the country of choice for millions ofBritish holidaymakers.

We began operating in 1953 with one hotel in Playa dePalma, Mallorca and since then we have grown to becomethe 30th largest hotel chain in the world with 108 hotels in16 countries. However, like many of the best known brandsin the industry, Spain was the cradle and catalyst for theboom in overseas package tourism.

From a personal point of view I remember very well myfirst holidays as a teenager to Lloret de Mar andBenidorm which gave me the “bug” to work in tourism,which I realised in 1988 by starting work for Thomson asa holiday rep in Alcudia in Mallorca.

Eventually I ended up spending 11 very happy yearsworking all over Spain in various roles including theBalearics and Canaries and am very happy that today Imaintain a close relationship and affinity with the countrythrough my current role with RIU.

The cream of the cropOver recent years there have been many new and excitingdestinations appearing in tour operators' brochuresenticing clients to try something different, however, for mepersonally I believe that Spain and her islands still offer anideal combination of climate, activities, quality hotels andaccessibility which are difficult to compete with.

I can’t believe how much tourism and the relatedfacilities and infrastructure have evolved to meet thedemands of today’s ever demanding clientele and how wellSpain caters for every single type of traveller, be it youngsingles, couples, families or older customers.

I have been lucky enough recently to have visited all fourBalearic Islands, each with a different character and charmand boasting numerous attractions to entice Britishholidaymakers to their shores.

Of course everyone knows Mallorca but there’s so muchmore to it than the main resorts; you can hire a car anddrive the rugged west coast road from Pollensa via Lluc,Deia and Valldemosa to the beautiful port of Andraitx. Goshopping in vibrant Palma or visit some of the upmarketresorts such as Cala D’Or or Porto Petro.

Menorca is a particular favourite of mine with thestunning harbour of Mahon as well as some of the bestbeaches in Spain and is the ideal destination for families.

Ibiza is renowned for its club scene but also boastssome great beaches and Ibiza town at night is hard tocompete with for its eclectic mix of hippy chic andfabulous restaurants.

Formentera was a recent discovery for me and all I cansay is go! The beaches are better than many in theCaribbean and it's only a 30-minute ferry ride from Ibiza,totally unspoilt and absolutely breathtaking.

On the mainlandObviously Mainland Spain can’t be overlooked with greatflight connections, short flight times and excellent touristfacilities. I particularly like the area around Malaga withfavourites such as Nerja, Torremolinos and Benalmadenaall offering Andalucian charm at very affordable prices andguaranteed year-round sunshine!

For clients looking for something different I wouldrecommend the area of Chiclana which can be reachedvery easily from Jerez via a new Gatwick flight fromThomson starting next summer. The ClubHotel RiuChiclana is bound to become a firm favourite, particularlyfor families and boasts a wealth of facilities in beautifulsurroundings and a great beach as well.

Finally who can forget the appeal of the Canary Islands?Tenerife boasts the imposing Mount Teide, the traditionalresort of Puerto de la Cruz as well as all the attractions ofthe south coast in the resorts of Costa Adeje, Playa de lasAmericas and Los Cristianos.

Gran Canaria has the best sunshine record in Spain, it isgreat for winter breaks, particularly the resorts ofMaspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Amadores but for a totalchange of scenery try recommending Puerto de Mogan orFataga for a true taste of Canarian beauty.

Lanzarote is famous for its “El Grifo” wine which isdefinitely a best buy as well as visits to the stunningbeach at Papagayo and the pretty village of Playa Blancafrom where you can take a ferry to Fuerteventura.Fuerteventura itself is quieter than the other islands butboasts the best beaches, especially around Corralejo andJandia which are ideal for a sun filled break any time ofthe year. ✦

by PAUL BUNCE, head of market development, RIU Hotels & Resorts

Get equipped to offer yourclients a taste of the real Spain

spain

S08 TB1611 Spain_Layout 1 13/11/2012 15:34 Page 27


spainShearings offers

chance to exploreClassic Cities

of SpainFEATURED IN its recentlylaunched 2013 brochure,Shearings Holidays isoffering a new 12-dayClassic Cities of SpainGrand Tourer holidayfrom £999.

The itinerary givescustomers the chance todiscover the history andculture of a range ofSpanish cities.

Highlights includeexploring the capitalMadrid, a guided tour ofCordoba, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site and afull day excursion toGranada and itsAlhambra Palace.

The price includesthree excursions; 11nights’ four-starbreakfastaccommodation; tenevening meals; luxurycoach travel; and freeHome Connect service(where available). Thereare also three optionalexcursions on offer.

Departures areavailable from June toOctober.For more information call0844-824 6351 or visitwww.shearingsagent.com

GOLF FANS with a love of darts are being offered the chance to meet some famous faces and take part in the first annual Golf and DartsClassic at Spain’s La Manga Club resort. Dart players Terry Jenkins, Steve Beaton, Wayne Mardle and Peter Manley will all be appearing inthe four-day event, which takes place from February 5-8 next year, and gives golfers the opportunity to compete in a 36-hole Stablefordcompetition on the resort’s North and South courses and attend a darts exhibition evening. Prices for a team of four people lead in at€2,352 (£1,960 – approximately £490 per person) and includes three nights’ breakfast accommodation, a welcome drinks reception,entertainment and food on the exhibition night and a final evening presentation dinner and drinks package.For details call 020-3301 3810, email [email protected] or visit www.lamangaclub.com

Fiesta Hotel Group renamed Palladium Hotel GroupSPANISH HOTEL chain Fiesta Hotel Group has renamed as Palladium Hotel Group.

The brand was first launched by Fiesta Hotels & Resorts in 2002 with the inauguration oftwo luxury eco-resorts in Riviera-Maya, Mexico. The brand has since grown to include acollection of 15 properties across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil and Spain.

Juan José Calvo, commercial director of the group, said: “The rebrand to Palladium HotelGroup is the next logical step as Palladium Hotels & Resorts continue to gain exposure andloyalty in the international arena. As we continue to develop our global proposition, it is vitalthat we play on our strengths and Palladium offers an important set of standards such ashigh quality, service and added-value that we feel are fundamental to the success of theorganisation. This rebrand also helps with the positioning of our urban chain, Ayre, whichhas grown significantly over the last six years.”

The newly rebranded group will become the umbrella brand for the following properties:the Royal Suites; the Palladium and Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts; Fiesta Hotels &Resorts; the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel; the Ayre Hoteles; the Sa Talaia Boutique Villa; theMallorca Rocks Hotel; and the Fresh Hotels & Apartments.

Monarch Airlinesadds Lanzarote &Tenerife servicesMONARCH AIRLINES haslaunched twice-weekly flightsto Lanzarote and Tenerifefrom its newest base in theEast Midlands.

The airline's managingdirector Kevin George said:“We are delighted to beexpanding our winter 2012/13flights programme from EastMidlands Airport, our newestbase, providing ourcustomers in the Midlandswith even more flexibility andchoice.

“The launch of the CanaryIslands flights, already apopular route from otherairports, is a greatopportunity for those whowish to escape the UK’s coldwinters.”

Jet2.com expands Canaries schedule JET2.COM HAS announced a 40% increase in its winter2013 services to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria,offering 86,000 extra seats.

Customers can book a winter package holiday to theCanary Islands with the airline from £349 per personincluding flights, transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance.

Steve Heapy, the carrier's chief commercial officer, said:“We are really excited to be increasing our flights andholiday operations with winter flying to the Canary Islands.Known for their year-round sun, these fantasticdestinations provide the perfect family holiday for thoselooking to escape the winter freeze and head for thesunshine.

“Increasing our services across Jet2.com andJet2holidays means more passengers can take advantageof our great value holidays and friendly flight times.Offering the Canary Islands as year-round destinations atthe times our customers want to travel is great news forsun seekers. Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria arealready incredibly popular across our Northern bases andwe expect these expanded services to be a success.”

The flights will depart from various UK airports.For more information or to request a copy of the brochurescall 0800-408 5587 or see www.tradesite.jet2holidays.com



New golf package from Son JuliaSON JULIA, a 25-room manor house hotel in Mallorca isoffering a package which includes three rounds of golf onthe Son Gual golf course.

It also includes six nights' breakfast accommodation,three dinners at the hotel's Las Bovedas restaurant, two30-minute golfer's shoulder-and-neck massage, a 60-minute full body massage, six days' car rental (VW Polo orequivalent) and cava and fresh fruit on arrival.

Prices lead in at €1,325 (approximately £1,061) per person,based on two sharing a room, valid until November 28.

UK visitors up by 42% in August on last year

INCREASING NUMBERS of Brits are discovering whatValencia has to offer according to the tourist board.

UK visitor numbers are up by 5% for January through toAugust this year and up by 42% in August compared with2011, with the increase being fuelled by a number of directflights, including ryanair and easyJet, from a range of UKcities. For more information visit www.turisvalencia.com

THE ONYRIA Palmares Beach & Golf Resort has beennamed the best golf course in Portugal at the PubliturisPortugal Travel Awards 2012.

It is the latest in a stream of recent accolades for theresort, which has also been named the best ‘PrivateRehabilitation Project’ by Turismo de Portugal; thecountry’s second-best course by readers of Today’s Golfermagazine; debuted at number 26 in Golf World’s Top 100European Golf Courses; and listed as the third best coursein Portugal by Golf Digest.

António Pinto Coelho, the resort's operations generaldirector, said: “The Publituris Portugal Travel Awards are

known in the industry as the ‘national tourism Oscars’ and tobe acclaimed by your peers is especially gratifying. Thereare some truly outstanding, world-renowned golf courses inPortugal and to be recognised as the best is very special.”

The 27-hole resort opened in June 2011 following a €10mredesign. The three loops of nine holes – the Alvor, Lagos andPraia courses – offer panoramic views across the Bay of Lagos.

The resort will see a total investment of €300m when fullycompleted, with plans for a five-star hotel which will open in2014, plus a selection of villa plots which have recently beenreleased. For more information visit www.onyriapalmares.com

Onyria Palmares named best golf course at Publituris Portugal Travel Awards

Mountain goats on The Iberos Tour

spain

THE SPANISH Thyme Traveller haslaunched The Iberos Tour, whichexplores the sights of Valencia.

Guests will experience four walkingtours on the trip, including the vineyardarea of Fontanares; the canyons andhills of Valencia; the open plains ofValencia; and Xativa.

Each walk is between two and fivehours and although not technically

demanding, it is recommended thatguests are regular walkers and have agood basic fitness.

The paths can be rough under footso the company recommends thatclients wear walking boots.

The tour dates for the remainder ofthis year and early next year areDecember 16-21; January 27-February1; February 17-22; March 10-15; and

April 14-19. Prices lead in at €1,180(approximately £945) per person basedon double occupancy and includesminibus transport; five nights’breakfast accommodation; four middaymeals; three evening meals; a tourleader; local professional guides forspecific visits; and entrance fees.For more information or to book visitwww.thespanishthymetraveller.com

New Iberos Tour from Spanish Thyme Traveller explores sights of Valencia


We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

If I could buy anything in the world...

(complete the sentence!)Publisher: Jeanette [email protected]'d be obscenely rich & happy

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] Porsche Cayenne

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] house for starters

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] would be Cornwall. What price heaven?

Sales Director: Simon [email protected]

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] would be health & happiness for my family

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] would be incredibly dull and pointless!

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] answer would be Ferrari

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] euro millions winning lottery ticket

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] small island in the Maldives with it's own private runway

Design: Genaro [email protected] Veyron with chrome paint job

Assistant Layout Design:Nicky [email protected] with 5 aside pitch & indoor skate pool

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] Airbus A380 as Concorde has been decommissioned

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

spain

Travagrams: (top) Delta (bottom) Amarillo

Where Am I?: Yorkshire

puzzlesolutions


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THE SPANISH National Tourist Office has launched a cloud-hosted socialmedia news platform which incorporates all existing and new social mediachannels in one place.

The Social News Hub, which is the first of its kind for the UK travelindustry, is connected to more than 323 social channels and offers servicessuch as updated news content, downloadable copy and images, quotes,links, polls and video links.

The tourist office hopes that the hub will become the ‘go to’ resource forusers interested in communicating about travel to Spain, as well as Spanishculture and events. The newsroom will publish content provided by externalcontributors, from bloggers to established travel writers.

Enrique Ruiz de Lera, director of the organisation, said: "The launch of theSocial News Hub is part of our overall digital strategy. We wanted to host aplatform which integrates all of our current digital and social media channelsin just one place, as well as offering easy expansion for the future.”

The platform can be accessed via eitherwww.socialnewsroom.spain.info/en or the ‘Spain in UK’ Facebook page. Itcan also be found under the ‘Social News Hub’ tab on the official SpanishTourist Office Website at www.spain.info/ukFor more information or suggestions email [email protected], putting‘Social News Hub’ in the subject line.

Spanish National Tourist Office launches SocialNews Hub featuring social channels & services

SUPERBREAK HAS added the four-star TRH Paraiso Beach and GolfResort in Estepona to its portfolio of hotels on the Costa del Sol.

The hotel is located in a residential area surrounded by golf coursesand is close to Costalita’s Beach.

It features an outdoor pool, indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.There are also two restaurants and two bars with panoramic views.

Flight-inclusive packages start from £305.50 per person in April nextyear for three nights’ breakfast accommodation, departing fromManchester with Jet2. For more information call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

Superbreak adds Costa Del Sol Hotel

TENERIFE'S ABAMA Golf & Spa Resorthas introduced two new spa treatments.

The Nectar Tropical treatment usesextracts of mango and passion fruit toexfoliate the body before a maskcontaining citric acids vitamin C isapplied. A body massage completes thetreatment.

Meanwhile, the anti-ageing ForeverYoung treatment utilises the antioxidanteffects of tropical fruit. Starting with askin polish, a papaya and pineapple wrapis applied before a full body massage.

Each treatment costs €149 (£117) for a90-minute session.For more information seewww.abamahotelresort.com

Abama Golf & Spa Resort inTenerife adds new spa treatments




Documents

Travel Bulletin 16th November 2012