Travel Bulletin 2 December 2012

December 7 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,806 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent reviewfind out what one agent thoughtof her stay in Protaras, Cyprus

agent bulletinwin a Xmas hamper withCaesar's Winery

golfget into the swing ofselling by highlighting thebest deals to clients

accommodation-onlyoperators add newdestinations and winter deals

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this week

Germany Germany A round-up of new

tours for 2013 plus thelatest offers & trends

A round-up of newtours for 2013 plus thelatest offers & trends

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DISCOVER ONE OF FLORIDA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS…

THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST

7 NIGHTS FROM £889PPFor more details or to book, call

0844 557 0626 or visit

SHAKE ON IT...DoSomethingDifferent.com has now shaken hands with 500 independent agents around the UKas part of its mission to shake hands with 2,000 agents within two months. Pictured cementing partnershipsare, from the left: Daniel Clyburn, DoSomethingDifferent.com; Claire Connors, Jo Catt, Michelle Halsey fromHays Travel PTC; and Annabel Cove, DoSomethingDifferent.com

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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk December 7 2012

newsbulletin

3newsnew product launches, thelatest offers & industry reports

13germanya round-up of new tours for 2013 plus the latestoffers & trends

8agent reviewfind out what one agentthought of her stay inProtaras, Cyprus

17 accommodation-onlyoperators add newdestinations and winter deals

9 agent bulletinwin a luxury Christmashamper from Caesar's Winery

20golf holidaysget into the swing of sellingby highlighting the bestdeals to clients

11puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku for a chance towin a £50 Hotel Chocolatvoucher

HOTELS AND restaurants that write their own glowingreviews are to be named and shamed, a move whichcould lead to loss of revenue and irreparable damage.

GotJuice.co.uk, an online reputation managementconsultancy that specialises in reviews says that reviewsand referrals count for an average of 70% of acompany's new business. Traditionally, these referralsare made word of mouth, customer-to-customer.However, in today's technology-savvy world, reviews andreferrals are made and found online.

The company's managing director Mark Hall said:"Until recently it has been made very easy foropportunist business owners to enhance theircompany's online reputation by simply writing fakepositive reviews and asking friends and family to dolikewise without any repercussion. This, of course,

amounts to nothing but fraudulent behaviour, but wasseen as an easy route to not only enhance their ownreputation but also - for some - as a way to harm theircompetitors by posting fake negative reviews aboutthem.

"That ride, however, is now over and these businessesare to be named and shamed by the major review sitesand have their profile marked for all to see. Withadvancements in technology, review platforms havestarted to launch new initiatives to rid their sites of fakereviews and name the guilty in the process. Yelp are thefirst to roll out the technology and it is expected thatTripadvisor and other major review platforms will followsuit shortly. Any business that publishes fake reviews or

Major sites to name & shame hotels & restaurants over fake reviews

● continues on next page


TIPTO’S NEWEST member, Travel Indochina, haslaunched a new online training module for independentagents at www.tipto.co.uk

The module focuses on the company’s ethos andunique selling points as well as its escorted SmallGroup Journeys and river cruising.

The Small Group Journeys run with a maximum groupof 16 travellers, with the combined advantage of aWestern tour leader and English speaking local guides.

Meanwhile, other TIPTO members have refreshedtheir online training programmes and to support thesechanges agents are being offered a range of incentives.As examples, 25 agents will receive either a £10Amazon or iTunes voucher if all the member modulesare completed, gaining five-star status by December 16.

TIPTO launches new Travel Indochina training module

www.travelbulletin.co.ukDecember 7 20124

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VIVA FOREVER...Superbreak recently ran an incentive withThomas Cook’s UK Coordinators to help drive sales in theirindividual regions. Hilary Allen (left) from Thomas Cook inAccrington was the lucky winner having helped the North Westregion achieve significant sales growth during September. Hilarywon a Superbreak London theatre break, which included ticketsfor Viva Forever, one night at the four-star Hotel Russell, railtravel and £100 of Love2Shop vouchers. Pictured delivering thegood news to Hillary is Superbreak's Laura Dawson.

Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

● Cox & Kings’ new European Short Breaks 2012-13brochure offers a diverse range of short breakoptions right across the continent. There areromantic classics such as Venice and Paris,Moroccan riads, Mediterranean islands, grandpalaces and escapes to see the northern lights.The hotels, all offering 4- and 5-star comforts,have been hand-picked to combine the finestfacilities, style and location at exceptional prices.All prices include flights (or Eurostar),accommodation and breakfast daily and start from£225 for 2 nights in a 5-star hotel in Brussels.Reservations: 020-7873 5000

Mailbox

For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

pays for reviews will have theirprofile(s) branded with a stamp thatinforms the consumer that they can’tbe trusted. And here at gotjuice.co.ukwe welcome this move. If caught, themud will, and should, stick to the guiltyparties for a long time.

"Review sites such as Yelp, Qypeand Tripadvisor can be brilliantplatforms to help consumers withpurchase decisions. By crowdsourcing public opinions, you canbuild up a realistic view on whether

you want to use the company or not."This only works if the reviewers

are honest and objective. Anybusiness that writes its own glowingreviews or pays people to do thisundermines the credibility of thesesites and pulls the wool over theeyes of potential customers. This iswhy review platforms such as Yelp,who have already taken previoussteps to keep their platform freefrom spam by adding filters thatremoved questionable reviews fromthe calculation of the star rating,has now gone one step further in the

fight against fake reviews."If a review site finds evidence

that an establishment such as ahotel, restaurant, tradesman or anyother business has added their ownreviews or paid for reviews, they willhave a 'mark of shame' added totheir profile for the whole world tosee. They will even proactively baitcompanies to see who responds to'would you like to buy positivereviews' solicitations, so they areable to both effectively catch peopleafter the event and also catch themin the act beforehand."

● continued from previous page

Travel Alberta marks trade partnership with new initiatives

TRAVEL ALBERTA has launched a selection of new initiativesand programmes to celebrate its work with the travel trade.

The organisation currently has four incentive programmesfor the ski season, working with operators including SkiSolutions, Ski Independence, TUI Ski and Inghams.

A Canadian Rockies campaign highlights the snowfall inAlberta throughout the ski season (November-April) andfeatures a number of operator packages. The campaign alsoincludes tactics both on and offline including a takeover on theLondon Underground at London Bridge.

A number of new packages have also been introduced byoperators including Canadian Sky, Newmarket Holidays andPowder Byrne. Examples include Powder Byrne’s ten-daySpectacular Canadian Rockies package. Using hand-pickedlocal specialists across Canada’s West, guests will take a railtrip to Jasper before travelling on to Banff. Prices start from£4,375 per person, based on two sharing. For more informationvisit www.powderbyrne.com or call 020-8246 5300.

The organisation also offers agents online training, anewsletter, fams and membership of the Canadian TourismCommission’s training scheme.For more information see www.travelalberta.com


Dedicated France brochure fromKirker offers new destinationsKIRKER HOLIDAYS has launched its first dedicatedFrance brochure for 2013, which features a number ofnew destinations alongside classic city, coastal andrural options.

Joining Paris, Provence, the Côte d’Azur, Lille and thesouthwest coast, travellers can now choose fromadditional tailor-made short breaks in a range of newlocations.

An example of new destinations is St Malo in Brittany,with a three-night stay at the four-star Le Beaufortleading in at £498 per person, based on two sharing. Itincludes flights from London (regional departures areavailable on request), private transfers or hire car,breakfast accommodation and the services of aconcierge.

Alternatively, clients who prefer escorted itinerariescan opt for one of the new small group tours such asthe seven-night Gardens & Galleries of the Côte d’Azurin Nice, where lecturer Simon Monckton will escortguests around the area’s cultural and horticulturalhighlights. Departing on May 1 and September 18,prices start from £1,697 per person based on twosharing and including flights, transfers, accommodationwith some meals, excursions and the services of a tourlecturer. For details or to book call 020-7593 2283 or see www.kirkerholidays.com

Christmas panda tour from Wendy Wu WENDY WU Tours is offering an 11-day ‘In Pursuit ofPandas’ Christmas tour in China.

The trip, which departs on December 23, takesvisitors to discover some of the historical and culturalsights of China, including the Forbidden City in Beijingand the Terracotta Warriors of Xian. Other highlightsinclude visiting the Great Wall of China on ChristmasDay and spending New Year’s Eve with pandas in theChengdu Panda Conservation Centre.

The company is currently offering savings of £300 perperson on bookings, with lead-in prices starting from£1,990 per person based on two sharing. Prices includeflights, fuel surcharges, transfers, accommodation,meals as stated, entrance fees, visa fees, guides anddaily tours. Single supplements cost £150 per person. For more information call 0844-875 2436 or visit www.wendywutours.co.uk

EUROPEAN SHORT BREAKS

2012-13


Taber reports 45% increase in Northern Lights bookingsTABER HOLIDAYS reports a 45% increase in winter NorthernLights bookings compared to the same time last year, and hasresponded to the new demand by adding four new NorthernLights tours for winter, three to Finland and one to Iceland.

The White Footprint, Northern Lights Weekend, PowderPro and Northern Lights Exploration itineraries will runalongside a programme of dedicated Northern Lights breaks.

The company has also introduced a further two dates to itsExploring the Lofoten Islands itinerary, with departures tothe Norwegian archipelago on December 28 and February 17and 21, 2013, with direct flights from Gatwick.

The Northern Lights Weekend in Finland leads in at£1,360 per person. The three-night tour departs everyThursday from January 3 to April 14, 2013, and includesflights, transfers, accommodation and snowmobile, husky,reindeer and snowshoe activities.

A seven-night Polar Express to Lapland tour costs from£1,711 per person. Snowmobile and husky safaris areoffered as optional excursions, as well as a tour ofStockholm by boat. Prices are based on two sharing andinclude flights, transfers, accommodation and rail journeys.Departures are on selected dates until March 31, 2013.For more information call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

newsbulletinThe Northern Lights

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INGHAMS HAS launched a new Lakes& Mountains Summer 2013 brochurewhich, in addition to its 100-plustraditional destinations, introduces anextensive range of innovative newideas. These include new tours,cruises, resorts and once in a lifetimeexperiences, from watching live operaon the shores of Lake Constance, tocrossing the Swiss Alps on theBernina Express train.

Several new ways to take in classicLakes & Mountains attractionsinclude Rhine and Danube rivercruises; travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train from London toInnsbruck, Verona or Venice; smallgroup walking tours in the AustrianTyrol; a new Inghams-run ChaletHotel on Lake Garda; small-ship‘cruise & stay’ holidays on Croatia’sAdriatic coast; and the chance to stayin an Austrian monastery.

In addition, 12 new featured resortsjoin the programme in Italy, Austria,France, Germany and Slovenia. Theseinclude the French spa resort of Evianon the shores of Lake Geneva; theisland resort of Lindau on theBavarian side of Lake Constance;

Bovec in Slovenia’s Julian Alps; andthree new villages around the shoresof Lake Como in Italy.

Savings of up to £625 per coupleare on offer through a combination of

early booking savings and ‘cash-back’offers, free packed lunches, free bike-hire, free guided walks, freeafternoon tea and wine with dinner,free travel and excursions.

Inghams launches new Lakes & Mountains summer 2013 brochure

Pictured marking the new Lakes & Mountains brochure are, from the left: Terry Adamsand Susie Atkinson from Haslemere Travel in Surrey with Inghams' Charlotte Yeomansand Andy Chaplin.


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Newsbites● DATES FOR the 2013 ACE Cruise Convention have

been announced with four ships lined up for theSelling Cruise conference on May 23-24, whileLiverpool will be the host city for Columbus Day onSeptember 19.To register or for details see www.cruiseexperts.org

● ABU DHABI is to host the 2013 Institute of Travel &Tourism (ITT) annual conference in June next year.

● MALLORCA'S HOTEL Bon Sol Resort & Spa is gearingup for its 60th anniversary next year with aprogramme of events including spring package offersand weekend gala dinners. Classic double/twin ratesin low season start from €99 on half-board.For details see www.classic-collection.co.uk

● JET2.COM HAS announced its Manchester to Tel Avivroute is on sale for winter 2013/14, with two flightsper week departing on Monday and Thursday until theend of April 2014. Fares lead in at £62 including taxes.

● BLUE ISLANDS has added Amsterdam to its servicesfrom Jersey, with flights commencing in February 2013.

● MONARCH HAS announced a new route to Malta forsummer 2013 from East Midlands. Flights willoperate twice weekly from May 7.

● SIXT RENT a car is launching an on-airport location atGatwick on January 1, 2013. See www.sixt.co.uk

MOVERS● STENA LINE has appointed Carl-Johan Hagman as

CEO.● BROWNSWORD HOTELS has appointed Abbi Hardiman

as general manager, Jamie Raftery as executive chefand Matthew Balman as restaurant manager at LowerSlaughter Manor in the Cotswolds.

● CURTIS HUNTER has joined Cruise and MaritimeVoyages (CMV) as business development manager forSouthern England and Wales.

● EUROPCAR HAS appointed Andy Furlong as director ofmarketing & ecommerce UK.

● TITAN HAS appointed Sharon Tait as key accountmanager for Central and Northern England.

● MICHELLE HEATHCOTE has joinedDoSomethingDifferent.com as senior productexecutive.

● TREKAMERICA HAS appointed Richard Hanson asmanaging director and Toby Baxter as businessdevelopment manager.

● IF ONLY...has appointed Colin Shaw as commercialmanager.

● EQUATOR LEARNING has appointed Pauline Gullidgeand David Barber to its UK-based team.

● EXPEDIA HAS appointed Christopher Michau as thenew vice president of its Global Partner Group.

● DARREN PHILLIPS has joined TravelCube as regionalaccount manager North.


FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST

COME AS YOU ARE. The Florida Keys and Key West is a 150 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the scenic overseas Highway; a road that suspends the traveller in a place that bridges the gap between sea and sky. In the Florida Keys you are a world away from the theme parks of central Florida, in a place that envelopes you with its warmth and beauty and grants you permissionto shed the worries of the real world you just left behind! The turquoise blue waters that surrounds Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West is a treasure trove both above and below.

7 NIGHTS FROM £889PP!

For more details or to book, call

0844 557 0626 or visit

NEW BROCHURE OUT NOW!

For more details on the Florida Keys & Key Westrequest our brochure today at: www.trade-gate.co.uk


agentreviewGemma Trickey from Regal Travel in Port Talbot stayed atthe Chrystall Hotel in Protaras, Cyprus with Thomson for14 nights with her fiancé. Here’s what she thought of the

property…

Gemma receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for her review. If you'd like to take part and receive a free Love2Shop voucher please email [email protected]

or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

First impressions ................................4/10

The staff were very welcoming and friendly and thereception was bright and airy. My first impression of theroom wasn’t very good as I was led to believe by theoperator’s brochure that the rooms had been refurbishedand this was not the case.

Comfort ..............................................6/10

The rooms were ok but needed modernising. The maidscame every day and changed towels every 2 days.

Quality ................................................5/10

The hotel is awarded three stars but I would say its morelike a two-star. The pool area was nice, but the pool itselfcould have done with a good clean as it wasn’t cleanedonce in the two weeks that we were there.

Affordability ........................................4/10

We paid £550 per person and I felt it was quite good valuefor money, but they could improve on certain simple thingslike cleaning the pool and Jacuzzi area and allowing peopleto drink their own water by the pool area as it does getvery hot.

Service ................................................8/10

The waiting staff were lovely and always smiling consid-ering the long hours they worked. I felt the hotel manage-ment were quite rude, as every Sunday their families wouldcome and use the pool and would take over the sunbeds,so we were sometimes left to lie on the grass area.

Good to know ............................................Request a sea view room or you will end up with a viewoverlooking derelict land.

Overall scoring: ..................

710/

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Titan offers early booking savingsfor Deluxe Uniworld river cruisesTITAN IS offering enhanced early booking savings of up to£1,300 per person on a selection of itineraries and dates onbookings made by December 31.

As examples, an eight-day A Week on the River Dourosailing on the new-for-2013 Queen Isabel, leads in at £2,099per person for a category three stateroom. The cruisedeparts on November 10 next year and offers savings of upto £700 per person.

Alternatively, a Lisbon & the Beautiful Douro River offers aDouro River cruise with three nights in Lisbon, at prices from£2,399 per person for a category three stateroom. It departs onNovember 7 and offers savings of up to £500 per person.

Other new additions for 2013 include an eight-day Veniceand the Po River itinerary on the newly refurbished RiverCountess, with prices starting at £2,399 per person anddiscounts up to £650 per person.

An eight-day Castles Along the Rhine is also new andtravels from Amsterdam to Basel with prices starting from£2,099 per person for a category five stateroom withdiscounts up to £400 per person.

Meanwhile, a Grand France combines Uniworld’s twoitineraries travelling the rivers of France, taking in theSeine, Rhône and Saône. Prices start from £3,999 perperson, with savings up to £1,300 per person. For more information or to book visit www.titanagents.co.uk

BRITTANY FERRIES is offering a month's stay in the Costadel Sol from £438 per person.

The offer includes travel from either Portsmouth orPlymouth with a car to Santander or Bilbao in NorthernSpain in a four-berth cabin, and includes accommodation,all utilities plus a weekly cleaning service and linen change.

Clients can stay for longer than a month or can break upthe journey with a hotel or Parador stay en-route. For details call 0871-244 0633 or visit www.brittany-ferries.co.uk

Month's stay in Costa del Sol from £438

Travel Indochina adds guaranteeddepartures for Small Group JourneysTRAVEL INDOCHINA has launched a new Small GroupJourneys brochure for 2013/14 and is increasing its number ofguaranteed departures.

The 140-page brochure contains new additions as well asimprovements on its best-selling tours. It combines a range ofsmall group journeys to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, with avariety of escorted tours to Burma, Thailand, China and Tibet,India and Japan.

Two new tours, Highlights of Bhutan (ten or 13 days) and SriLanka Discovery (15 days) are also guaranteed to run onseveral dates next year.

The company has also expanded its portfolio of deluxejourneys, staying at properties such as Cambodia’s RafflesGrand Hotel D’Angkor or the Taj Lake Palace in India.

From next year all small group journeys to Cambodia willoffer the option of a four-day Battambang extension, while afive-day 4,000 Island extension will be offered on two of theoperator’s most popular journeys to Laos. The Battambangand 4,000 Island extensions cost an extra £310 per person and£565 respectively.The brochure is available to order at www.trade-gate.co.uk


● TITAN HAS launched a festive agentbooking incentive. Agents making a bookingwith any Titan, Uniworld or Saga holiday byDecember 31 for any departure will be ableto pick a present from under the operator'sChristmas tree. Prizes range from a familyticket to ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Hyde Park,London for a festive night out; afternoon teafor two at Harrods; a spa treatment voucherat a Bannatyne Spa; a £50 Love2Shopvoucher; and a hair cut with Toni and Guy.To claim, email your booking referencewithin seven days of making a booking [email protected] with a choiceof A, B, C, D, or E and a present will beselected.

● AVRO FLIGHTS has launched its full rangeof ski flights for winter 2012/13 includingdepartures to Friedrichshafen, Grenoble,Innsbruck, Munich, Barcelona, Milan,Venice and Verona, and is giving agents thechance of winning a pair of flights to Munichon any booking made on these routes byDecember 15 (on departures until April 20,2013.) To be in with a chance of winningemail booking references [email protected] by December 20.

Xmas hampergiveawayCAESAR'S WINERY is offering Travel Bulletin readersthe chance to win a luxury Christmas hamper. EachCaesar's hamper is packed with organic productscarefully selected and sourced to ensure the hampergifts sent out will delight each recipient on everyoccasion. All hampers include panettone, traditionalItalian fruit cake, Spumante brut Charmante, organicsalami from the Langhe region, handmade egg pastawith tomato

and meatsauce andhazelnut andchocolatebiscuitspresented inan elegant box. Simply answer the following questionand email your answer including your company name,address and telephone number to [email protected] by Thursday December 13. Seewww.caesarswinery.co.uk. Competition question: Inwhich country does Caesar's Winery source theproducts they use in their gift hampers? One winnerwill be selected at

random and willbe notified bytelephone. Thehamper will bedelivered by FridayDecember 21.Good luck!

PAULA'S PRIZE...Carrier has announcedPaula Cockcroft (left) of Oundle Travel asthe winner of its latest booking incentive.Pictured presenting Paula with her price ofa luxury holiday to Las Vegas is theoperator's sales executive, Sally Willmer.

Booking incentives

It’s in thestars…What’s in store for capricorn?

DECEMBER IS your month to shine and it's allabout promoting your thoughts and ideas topush a project through. Turning a dream into areality is also a possibility in the run up to theNew Year, but make sure you keep your friendsclose and your enemies closer and expect tohelp others out in order to ask for favours to bereturned.

Lucky day: Saturday

Lucky number: 17


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Discover Egypt highlights seven-night New Year's Eve Nilecruises from £849DISCOVER EGYPT is offering two seven-night Nile cruises on the five-star Viking Princess andfive-star Royal Viking. Departing from Gatwick on December 31, guests will arrive in Luxor andbe transferred to their chosen ship in time for the festivities.

Prices lead in at £849 for the first person travelling and £599 for their companion travelling onthe Princess or £1,049 and £699 respectively for those cruising on Royal Viking. Prices includeflights, full board on the cruise, ten guided excursions and entrance fees.

The New Year cruise starts with cocktails on the upper deck of the Nile cruiser, followed by aNew Year’s Eve dinner and entertainment, which includes belly dancing, whirling dervish andmusic. Excursions in Luxor the following day include Valley of the King and Queens, the Templeof Hatshepsut and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. The cruise continues on its journey downthe Nile with sightseeing stops at ancient sites such as the Colossi of Memnon, Esna and Edfu,Aswan and its High Dam, plus Abu Simbel, the two temples built by Ramses II. For more information or to book call 0844-880 0462 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

Festive cruises on Marco Polo CRUISE & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering three festive cruises on Marco Polo over the2012/13 Christmas and New Year period.

The ship will sail from Tilbury on December 16 for a three-night Christmas Marketscruise to Antwerp and Amsterdam. In Antwerp guests have the option of joining a shoreexcursion to the markets of Bruges or Brussels. Prices lead in at £199 per person.

Alternatively, a Christmas & New Year Cruise, which departs on December 20 for a 14-night cruise from Tilbury to the Canary Islands and Madeira, costs from £999 (was £1,489)based on a standard inner cabin. On Christmas Day, passengers will receive a traditionalChristmas dinner and are invited to a New Year’s Eve party.

Meanwhile, the ship will sail from Tilbury to Amsterdam on January 3 next year. Pricesfor the two-night break lead in at £139 per person. For details call 0844-414 6185 or visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com

Capital campaignfrom BA & LBA

BRITISH AIRWAYS andLeeds Bradford Airport(LBA) have launched acampaign to encouragebusinesses to keepmoving during thesetough economic times.

The carrier's frequentdaily service from Leedsto Heathrow targets cost-conscious businesstravellers who commuteto the Capital and SouthEast regularly, withreturn fares leading in at£109, including taxes andfees.

The new service willnow provide the onlyscheduled flights fromYorkshire and the Humberto London and willcommence on December9, offering a convenientday return schedule.For details seewww.ba.com

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puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

I am bordered by India and Myanmar and my capital is Dhaka.

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the

3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate

to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name,

company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if

applicable to:

[email protected]

Closing date for entries is Thursday, December 13th. Solution and new

puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 23rd November is Jeni Conetta, Thomson

Retail in Kent.

November 23 Solution: A=3 B=8 C=4 D=9

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 092

Travagrams

Across 1. Cruise company whose ships fly the

Italian flag (5)3. US resort lake in the Sierra Nevada (5)5. Australian city (8)8. Tour operator specialising in China (5,2)10. Airport code for 5 Across (3)11. Part of a journey (3)13. State capital of New Jersey (7)14. London bridge and station (8)17. Actor who plays Alfie in Eastenders, ___

Richie (5)18. State capital of Oregon (5)

Down 1. County setting for the Doc Martin TV series (8)2. African airline, initially (3)3. Boston made history with this party in 1773 (3)4. Greek island, sounds like a nine-headed

monster (5)6. North African country (5)7. Famous Oxfordshire palace and tourist

attraction (8)9. Major hotel representation company (5)12. West African country (5)15. Centre of a storm, found in Cheyenne

perhaps (3)16. Oslo airport code (3)

Where Am I?

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 22

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

092

Operator that shares name with actor known for roles in The Fast Show

This operator knows what we want whilst on holiday

No moths

Hies Nuns

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


GERMANY BY RAILDiscover our range of escorted and independent holidays to Germany

For information on our full range of products and services contact [email protected]

Brochure supplies are available via www.trade-gate.co.uk 01904 734200

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Xmas markets appfrom GNTB

THE GERMAN NationalTourist Board haslaunched a new applisting 22 Christmasmarkets from Berlin toBavaria, which alsoincludes travel discountsfrom Deutsche Bahn.

The app is free and isavailable at the Applestore.

Frankfurt highlights Christmas festivitiesFRANKFURT IS promoting a selection of Christmas events and festivities including itsChristmas market which offers a range of international delicacies and traditional Frankfurtspecialities.

Holiday events being held at Alte Oper include two Christmas concerts on December 16 and17, as well as family showings of “Hänsel and Gretel” from December 19-22. On the Sundaybefore Christmas Eve, young opera fans can take in a special Christmas concert for children atOper Frankfurt. The parish office of Emperors’ Cathedral has also put together a multifacetedmusical and liturgical programme for the holidays, while daily Christmas concerts will beperformed at the Church of our Lady every day at 19:30 until December 22.

Meanwhile, fans of classical music have the chance to celebrate the turn of the year with thetraditional 1822 New Year’s Concert, taking place on January 13. Commemorating the 200thanniversary of the Battle of the Nations, the Young German Philharmonic Orchestra has chosento focus its musical efforts on the period ending Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign. For more information visit www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

Tailor-made breaks from Travel Without Borders

TRAVEL WITHOUT Borders, which offers bespokeholidays exclusively to Germany, is highlighting itsproduct range which includes top end luxury to budgetaccommodation and individual trips to group tours. Thecompany also offers special interest holidays rangingfrom wine to German language and military history. For more information seewww.travelwithoutborders.co.uk or call 0844-357 5232

THE BERLIN Pass provides access to more than 45museums, art galleries and historic buildings along withfree entry to an additional ten attractions, free travel onpublic transport covering zones ABC and a Berlin Guide.

Attractions include the Berliner Dom, the PergamonMuseum and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, as well as afree hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

The pass is available in two- and three-day durations,and costs €69 for adults and €34 for children (two days) or€82 for adults and €39 for children (three days).For details visit www.berlinpass.com

Money-saving offers from Berlin Pass

germany

THE 53-GUESTROOM Alpenclub, located in the ski resort of Schliersee, is offering a free upgrade at check-in where available forarrivals until June 30, 2013. Rates lead in at €79 per room per night for a single including breakfast and €99 for a double room.The resort is also offering a free breakfast stay for children 11 years and under, as well as 20% off all spa treatments.For details see www.alpenclub.de

HIGHLIGHTS OF Germany is givingaway a case of Germany’s finest winein a competition for agents.

The promotion aims to highlightthe destination’s wine-growingtowns; today, there are 13 wine-growing areas in Germany with six ofthem being located in close proximityto the wine cities of the Historic

Highlights of Germany. As examples, in Mainz, the

Laubenheimer Hoehe wine estate,along with the German Wine Institute,created a Riesling Lounge whereRieslings from each of Germany’s wineproducing regions can be found.

In the spa town of Wiesbaden, theRheingau Wine Week in August kicks

off with a celebration in the middle oftown, while Koblenz became renownedin the 19th century for its creations ofsparkling and choice fine wines of thewine and Champagne producerDeinhard.For your chance to win a case of winevisithttp://travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

Win a case of wine with Travel Bulletin & Highlights of Germany


FOLLOWING ITS success withFacebook fanpages in Germany (191klikes), Italy (7k likes) and France (1klikes) Deutsche Bahn has launchedan English Facebook fansite for theUK, Ireland and overseas.

The site offers users informationon passenger services to and in

Germany, special offers and how orwhere to book tickets, and adedicated UK based team will answerenquiries on the post board. Thismonth an advent calendar with dailycompetitions is also featured.

The company's marketing managerStefan Heulle said: “With our English

Facebook fansite we open anotherchannel to get in contact withcustomers and rail fans in Englishspeaking markets. The site will beused and promote rail travel to andin Germany.” For details seewww.facebook.com/dbukandmore

COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched itsfirst ski programme in Germany as wellas a choice of city breaks in Munichoperating with the newly launchedMonarch flights to Munich andFriedrichshafen.

The new ski holidays and city breaksare available on a flexible basis offering avariety of durations from two-night staysupwards. Ski accommodation is availableon a range of board bases, from bed-and-breakfast to all-inclusive and from

small family-run hotels to the biggerhotel groups such as NH and Sheraton.Clients can choose from featured resortsin Germany including Kempten,Schliersee and Oberstdorf.

As an example of prices, a three-nightbreak at the three diamond ratedGHOTEL Munchen Zentrum departingBirmingham on January 11 costs from£278 per person, including flights andthree nights' breakfast accommodation.

Ski packages lead in at £285 per

person for a three-night breakfast stayat the four diamond rated Alpenclub,based on a departure from Luton onJanuary 11.

Meanwhile, the operator is offeringfree ski carriage on return flights with asaving of up to £50 per person forbookings made before December 31 fortravel until April 30, 2013 on selectedroutes.For details call 0844-573 0668 or see www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

GTC offers two-night breaks for £199GERMAN TRAVEL Centre is highlighting a selection of two-night breaks across Germany with prices leading in at £299per person.

Agents can highlight a range of activities and events takingplace across Germany to their clients.

As examples, history fans can take in a new exhibition at theBaden-Württemberg State Museum of Archaeology and theWürttemberg State Museumare in Stuttgart called ‘The Worldof the Celts: Centres of power – Treasures of Art’. Theexhibition showcases 1,300 archaeological treasures from theCelts of the first millennium BC and runs until February 17.See www.kelten-stuttgart.de/en for details.

The operator is promoting two-night breaks to Stuttgartfrom £199 per person including flights from Heathrow andaccommodation at the Ibis Hotel.

Meanwhile, the Christmas market in Cologne, which is openuntil December 23, is another reason for agents to highlight abreak to the city. Stalls range from arts and crafts, toys andChristmas decorations, to local crafts people demonstratingtheir art - from pewter pourers to glassblowers.

Two-night breaks to the city lead in at £199 per personincluding flights from Heathrow and accommodation at theIbis Hotel.For more information see www.germantravelcentre.co.uk or call 020-8429 2900

Cosmos Holidays offers city breaks to Munich plus choice of ski options

Oberstdorf, Allgaeu


germany

A NEW hotel in Hamburg is now available through Superbreakfor agents to book. A stay at the five-star InterContinentalHamburg costs from £79.50 per person per night includingbreakfast at weekends in February. The property is locateddirectly on Alster Lake, a short walk from Hamburg’s citycentre and facilities include a spa with an indoor pool,international cuisine and transport connections. A flightinclusive package costs from £258.50 per person including twonights’ accommodation and flights with easyJet from Luton,based on a February 25 departure.For details see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444

Deutsche Bahn launches UK Facebook fansite


EUROPA PARK has announced thatvisitor numbers for summer 2012 havebeen its best yet, with more than fourmillion visitors travelling to the themepark by the beginning of October -about a month earlier than in 2011.

The park’s owner Roland Mack said:"More than 85% of visitors are alreadyrepeat visitors, and that's the clearestpossible acknowledgement of our

concept. Conference business has alsoseen another double-digit increase, asit did last year. A strong push iscoming from the new four-starsuperior Hotel Bell Rock, whichopened in July this year and thethemed hotels, of which there are nowfive, are currently full to more than95% of capacity.”

Meanwhile, the park’s new wooden

coaster "WODAN - Timburcoaster"has proven to be a visitor magnet;since its opening on March 31, morethan 2.5million passengers have triedthe ride.

The park is open daily until January6 (except December 24 & 25) from11:00-19:00. For more information seewww.europapark.de

STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts and its destinationsensation brand, Aloft Hotels, have announced the signingsof Aloft Munich and Aloft Stuttgart.

Owned and developed by the Schörghuber CorporateGroup, the two new properties will mark the entrance ofStarwood’s Aloft Hotels brand in Germany when they openin 2015.

Located near Munich’s city centre, Aloft Munich will feature184 guest rooms and will be within walking distance of retailstores, cafés and restaurants. The hotel will be directly nextto Munich Central Station, offering easy access to keylocations throughout the city, including Munich’s Franz JosefStrauss International Airport.

The new-build, 165 guest room Aloft Stuttgart will be partof the MILANEO mixed-use development project in Stuttgart’sEuropean Quarter. MILANEO is a pioneering, multi-use

development project which will offer shopping, restaurantsand entertainment venues as well as office space andresidential units. For details see www.alofthotels.com

Meanwhile, the company has announced plans tointroduce its Four Points by Sheraton brand to Berlin in 2014.

The property will be located adjacent to a new businesspark and just a few kilometres from Berlin BrandenburgInternational Airport.

The hotel will offer 253 guest rooms, two restaurants, alobby bar, a 24-hour fitness centre as well as meeting andevent space and a fully-equipped business centre.

The signing of Four Points by Sheraton Berlin Airport ispart of Starwood’s expansion strategy to open more than 25hotels across Europe over the next four years.For details see www.fourpointsbysheraton.com andwww.starwoodhotels.com

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ABTA No.V0531

Reservations & Admin 0871 423 8518 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)

Brochure requests: www.trade-gate.co.uk

Prices are correct at time of going to press (04/12/12). Offers and prices quoted apply to new bookings only and are subject to availability. * The price quoted is based on a 3 night, half board stay at the Alpenclub Schliersee, Bavarian Alps, with 2 adults sharing, for a departure from Luton on 11 January 2013.

ON SALE NOW

COSMOS SKI

HOLIDAYS

TO GERMANY

Flights to MUNICH and FRIEDRICHSHAFEN

from up to 5 UK airports

SAVE up to £50 per person on

FREE SKI carriage if booked

before 31/12/12 for travel until April

2013, on selected routes

Resorts - SCHLIERSEE,

OBERSTDORF, KEMPTEN &

GARMISCH PARTENKIRCHEN NEW

Prices from

£285pp*

germany

Munich & Stuttgart Aloft additions from Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Record visitor numbers for Europa Park


GREAT RAIL Journeys reports anincrease in demand for rail tours,inspired by Michael Portillo's televisionseries 'Great Continental RailwayJourneys' on BBC Two, in which the railenthusiast travels on the across Europeby train.

As an example of tours, the operatoris highlighting a Harz Mountains &Rhine Gorge itinerary which takes intwo of Germany's picturesque regions.

Guests will explore half-timbered

villages and the peaks of the HarzMountains on heritage railways and visitthe Rhine Gorge, where the legendaryLorelei Rock still casts its spell.

Prices lead in at £1,275 per personincluding First and Standard Class railtravel from St Pancras (StandardPremier Class on Eurostar journeyswith a light meal and drinks), ninenights' hotel accommodation withbreakfast, seven dinners, scenic railexcursion on the Brocken Railway,

scenic rail excursion on the SelketalRailway, Rhine Gorge cruise to Boppardor St Goar, an excursion to Heidelbergincluding a guided tour, all transfersand the services of a tour managerthroughout.

A supplement of £150 is applicable tosingle rooms and prices are based onan April 17, July 24, August 7 and 21and October 9 departures.For more information or to book call01904 521980 or see www.greatrail.com

Freedom Treks capitalises on cycling demandFREEDOM TREKS has extended its collection of cyclingtours for next year following an increasing interest inthe sport.

The operator’s new programme features acombination of Cruise and Cycle and Hotel and Cycletours, offering a comprehensive choice of 179 cyclingholidays across 23 European countries.

A new tour in Germany, Discover the Berlin Wall bybicycle, has been added for 2013. Beginning in centralBerlin passing the Brandenburg Gate and the edgyKreuzberg, guests cross the Spree and take time to viewthe East Side Gallery, the most visible remnant of theWall in the city. The tour continues to Treptow andnavigates the circumference of West Berlin passinghistorical sites from before the Wall and border postsfrom during its existence.

Accommodation is on a bed-and-breakfast basis inhotels along the route with luggage transfers includedin the cost.

The eight-day tour departs on any Sunday between May 22and September 11 and leads in at £528 based on twosharing. Price reductions are available for children travellingand bike plus helmet hire can be organised at a charge. For more information or to book visitwww.freedomtreks.co.uk or call 01273-224066

GRJ sees new demand for tours following Michael Portillo's BBC programme


germany

THE RIVER Cruise Line has launched its new programme for 2013which includes a number of cruises on the four-star MS Switzerland,including several itineraries in Germany. For example, a seven day‘Rhine Highlights’ trip leads in at £949 per person, starting in Cologneand exploring the Rhine Valley between Dusseldorf and Rudesheim,complete with visits to historic towns and cities including the walledtown of Andernach, Koblenz, and Boppard – known as the ‘Pearl ofthe Rhine’. Also available is an eight-day ‘Rhine & Moselle Highlights’itinerary which offers a chance to discover the scenery of the RhineValley and the more peaceful Moselle, home to lush vineyards. Priceslead in at £1,089 per person and all prices are based on two sharingand include accommodation on a full board basis and flexible joiningarrangements with free coach travel from joining points nationwide.For details see www.sellingrivercruises.com or call 0844-544 7580

SHEARINGS HAS added a selection of new itineraries fornext year including an eight-day Romantic Railways of theRhine which leads in at £699 and offers a series of railjourneys through the Rhine Valley.

Highlights include journeys on the Hunsruck Railway inBoppard, a rail journey through Lahn Valley, visiting the spatown of Bad Elms and travel on the cog railway to DragonsRock Hill, which includes a guided tour of Drachenburg Castle.

Departures are available from May to September andincluded in the price are five nights’ half-boardaccommodation at a four-star hotel, luxury coach travel, fiveexcursions and two nights’ overnight accommodation.

An eight-day Fairy-tale Rhine & Moselle Valley option isalso new for next year, and takes in the historic RhineGorge, a World Heritage Site, and the Moselle Valley, withprices starting from £539.

The holiday includes a full day visiting the Rhine andMoselle Valleys, where guests take a cruise along theMoselle, a full day to the riverside city of Heidelberg to see

the castle and Old Town, as well as half a day to take ajourney on the Hunsruck Railway to the medieval village ofBacharach.

The price includes five nights’ half-board accommodationin Rudesheim, two nights’ overnight accommodation (onenight half-board, one night bed-and-breakfast) and coachtravel, and departures are available from May to October.

Meanwhile, a six day Berlin Experience which leads in at£499 is also new. Departures are from May to October andhighlights include visits to Berlin’s famous landmarksincluding the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Reichstag andBrandenburg Gate. A full day is also spent at SanssouciPalace and Gardens in Potsdam.

The price includes three nights’ four-star accommodationon a half-board basis, two nights’ overnight accommodation(one night half-board, one night bed-and-breakfast), twoexcursions and coach travel.For more information or to book call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearings.com

Shearings promotes eight-day Railways of the Rhine tour from £699



Christmascountdown from

TravelCubeTRAVELCUBE IS gettingready for 2013 with afestive promotion toboost agents’ businessand drive travel in thefirst quarter of the newyear.

The dedicated agentbooking site haslaunched a specialChristmas Countdownuntil December 24, asfigures show topseasonal destinationsbeing searched for byagents includeAmsterdam, Barcelona,Dubai, Istanbul, London,Paris and Rome.

All the destinationsfeature at some point inthe company's promotionwhich, with up to 40%discounts, gives agentsmore of a chance toboost profit.

The promotionfeatures a time-limitedoffer on a daily basis fora specially selected hotelin 24 different countriesin Europe, the MiddleEast and North Africa,and commences with a20% discount for a stayat the Savoy inAmsterdam and 25% offthe four-star NH Nice.For more informationvisit www.travelcube.com

Relais & Châteaux adds five new destinations for 2013RELAIS & Châteaux has added five new destinations to itsguide for next year - Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Guatemalaand the Fiji Islands, welcoming 36 new members.

The guide features a total of 520 hotels and restaurantsacross 60 countries and the company has announced thatSalvatore Ferragamo, scion of the international fashionhouse family, is to be its ambassador for 2013.

The 21 new members in Europe include seven in France,six in Italy, two each in Germany and Switzerland, and oneeach in England, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.Completing the 36 new members are eight in theAmericas (two in the US, three in Peru, and one each inChile, Brazil and Guatemala), five in Africa (two in SouthAfrica and one each in Botswana, Kenya and Zambia) andtwo in Asia-Pacific (one each in Fiji and Taiwan).

From January next year, a digital version of the guidewill be available on the company’s Website for quickdownload as will a free app for iPad/iPhone users – seewww.relaischateaux.com/appstore. The app features morethan 15,000 images and 400 videos of properties, practicalinformation, news and publications. For more information visit www.relaischateaux.com

Superbreak addsthree new

London hotels SUPERBREAK HAS addedthree hotels to its portfolioof hotels in Londonincluding a new five-starproperty, InterContinentalLondon Westminster.

The hotel is locatedwithin a few minutes' walkof Westminster Abbey, BigBen and the Houses ofParliament, and prices leadin at £157.75 per personper night includingbreakfast.

The four-star 10Pembridge Gardens inNotting Hill is also new andconsists of a selection ofcontemporary furnishedstudio apartment suites.Each apartment featuresstate-of-the-art appliancesand complimentary internetaccess. Prices lead in at£55.50 per person per nightincluding breakfast.

Meanwhile, the four-starHilton London Wembley islocated yards fromWembley Stadium andWembley Arena andfeatures a fitness centre,indoor pool plus sauna andsteam facilities. A night’sstay costs from £57.50including breakfast.For more information or to book seewww.superbreak.com/agentsor call 0871-221 4444.

THE FIVE-STAR Heritage the Villas in Mauritius haslaunched a further 20% discount on rates which iscombinable with contracted special offers such as anearly booking bonus of 10% saving and a free night offer(seven nights for the price of six), meaning that theproperty is now giving agents access to a 40% savingon luxury villa holidays for their clients. Guests at theproperty have full access to sister hotels, Heritage LeTelfair and Heritage Awali and their facilities,which include 11 restaurants, two spas,two kids' clubs, a teens club, golf,nature reserve and watersports. For details seewww.heritagethevillas.mu

BDL Hotels promotes winter dealsBDL HOTELS is highlighting a range of deals at itshotels across the UK which include two-night diningbreaks from £99 and bed-and-breakfast room ratesfrom £39.

Highlights of the campaign include £79 for bed-and-breakfast at the five-star Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa,which sits on the waterfront in St Helier; £39 for bed-and-breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Leeds CityCentre Armouries and Ramada Encore Birmingham CityCentre; £99 for a night's breakfast stay at the CrownePlaza Docklands in London; and £169 for a dining breakat The Langstone Hotel, a four-star retreat on HaylingIsland near Portsmouth. It includes two nights' bed-and-breakfast with dinner on arrival. All prices are perroom and are based on two people sharing.For more information visitwww.bdlhotels.co.uk/winter2012

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S05 TB0712 Accommodation Only_Layout 1 05/12/2012 16:02 Page 17

KEYCAMP IS promoting a seven-night stayat its new Burgundy parc, Château del'Epervière, for £337 per party in May.

The resort is set in the scenic grounds ofa 16th century château and offers a threepool complex complete with sauna andJacuzzi.

Weekly wine tasting sessions areavailable at the parc's cellars, while theBurgundy vineyards are just a short driveaway.

The parc is located within 30 minutes ofChalon-sur-Sâone town, which offers

weekly markets, half-timbered houses anda 19th century cathedral, while onsitefacilities include regular entertainment,freshwater fishing on the lake, cycle hireand table tennis.

The £337 lead in price applies to a familyholiday departing on May 10, 2013, stayingin a two-bedroom Villagrand mobile home,which sleeps up to four adults and twochildren. It also includes Dover ferrycrossings.To book or for more information call 0844-406 0319 or visit keycamp.co.uk

GETABED.CO.UK REPORTS that European beach sales are up morethan 150% against this time last year.

According to the operator, the most demanded destinationsinclude Cyprus (up 267% year-on-year), Lanzarote (up 170%),Turkey (up 159%) Egypt’s Red Sea (up 154%) and Menorca (up132%).

The company has recently expanded its product team in a bidto meet escalating demand which is projected to last into nextyear. Simon Miles (pictured) recently joined the company asproduct manager and is responsible for overseeing theexpansion of the company’s product portfolio.

Meanwhile, the operator reports that its fastestgrowing destinations this year have included Dubai (upmore than 90%), New York and Orlando (both uparound 50%) and key cruise hubs Rome, Barcelonaand Venice, all up around 40% year-on-year.

Early-bird offersfrom Away Resorts

AWAY RESORTS haslaunched its 2013 brochurefeaturing a choice of early-bird offers.

Holidaymakers lookingto head to the operator’sWhitecliff Bay Holiday Parkin Bembridge on the Isle ofWight can save 10% onbookings paid in full byFebruary 28.

The offer also applies tothe company’s TattershallLakes Country Park inLincolnshire, whilediscounts of up to 10% areavailable on breaks bookedin January and February atMill Rythe Holiday Villageon Hayling Island.

The operator’s threeparks have their ownunique selling points.Whitecliff Bay on the Isle ofWight offers a secludedsandy beach, which getsthe top rating from theGood Beach Guide;Tattershall Lakes CountryPark in Lincolnshire isideal for families andindividuals who like wateractivities, and the park hasalso recently opened a£1.2m leisure complex;and Mill Rythe HolidayVillage on Hayling Island isideal for entertainment,with the park'sentertainment team,known as Showcast,providing musical showsfor the season withdirection from West Endprofessionals.

Prices lead in at £191 forseven nights in a six-berthcaravan at TattershallLakes and £209 for sevennights in a four-berthchalet at Whitecliff Bay.

A wide range of activitiesis available across allparks for childrenincluding pool snorkelling,abseiling, archery,kayaking, flying remotecontrol helicopters, waterwalkerz, walking trails,cheerleading school,geocoaching, body zorbing,science bugs and arts andcrafts.

European beach sales up 150% for Getabed.co.uk

Simon Miles

Seven-night Burgundy break from £337 per party from Keycamp


accommodationonly

MALLORCA FARMHOUSES is celebrating 25 years as Mallorca’s self-catering accommodation specialist nextyear, and is highlighting a selection of private villas and farmhouses on the island. As an example, the five-bedroom Es Castell (pictured) near Cala d’Or, sleeps ten and offers its own private vineyard and olive grove,producing wines and olive oil for guests to sample. Facilities include a gym, Jacuzzi hot tub and Scandinaviansauna with sound system, with prices ranging from £1,079 to £3,833 per week. All properties come with aprivate pool, maid service and starter pack, and nearly all have complimentary internet connection. For details call 0845-800 8080 or visit www.mallorca.co.uk


LOWCOSTBEDS HAS announced that itis to create a ‘dedicated’ long-haulunit within its business and hasrecently appointed Leigh Harringtonas senior long-haul product manager.

The company's long-haul portfoliohas been strengthened in recentweeks, with new hotels added inFlorida, Dubai, Mauritius, the

Dominican Republic and Mexico, andthe operator reports that the totalnumber of direct long-haul contractshas increased by more than 100%since new additional buyers wererecruited.

The operator recently announcedexpansion into a large number oflong-haul destinations, with particular

focus on the Caribbean, Far East andAustralia, as well as increasedcapacity in the US and Middle East.

New destinations include Kenya,Gambia, Maldives, Mauritius andSouth America, with many of the newhotels sourced from internationalchains such as Centara, Hilton andBarceló Group.

accommodationonly

PREMIER HOLIDAYS is encouraging travel agents tohighlight villa options in the Algarve to clients looking for aChristmas break.

The operator's managing director Ian Fox said: "Opting fora self-catering base is a great option if your client isplanning on travelling with a group of friends or relatives.Booking a large self-catering Algarve holiday villa meansthey can join in the Christmas festivities of eating Bolo Reicake made especially at Christmas, drinking Porto wine andother traditional liquors, and tasting the wide range ofsweets and biscuits, 'azevias' and 'felhozes’ that Portugalhas to offer with space and privacy.

"Many bars and restaurants around the popular self-catering resorts of Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura and Quinta dosAlamos will stay open on Christmas Day, offering a range oflocal delights and typical Christmas turkey. Of course, if

clients want to cook, an apartment or villa gives them thefreedom to turn their hand to culinary activities.

"There is also plenty to do in and around the Algarvearound Christmas and the New Year. Holidaymakers willoften find the streets and squares of the Algarve seasidetowns lit up with Christmas lights and resounding withsongs from street musicians. Cultural activities include arange wine tasting experiences, the Loulé Mountain Fairfilled with pretty handicrafts and the traditional 9k and 3kmFather Christmas walk that takes place in Albufeira. Mostlocal tourist offices will have a special programme withdetails of upcoming parties, art exhibitions, musicalconcerts and other cultural events to keep visitors busyduring their stay."For more information call 0800-047 0400 or visit www.premier-holidays.com

Premier Holidays highlights Algarve villa options over Christmas & the New Year

Lowcostbeds creates ‘dedicated’ long-haul unit for business


CRYSTAL CRUISES is expanding its luxury golfingopportunities with a 25% increase in international courseofferings in 2013.

With three golf-themed cruises offering new itineraries inthe British Isles, New England/Canada and the CanaryIslands/Iberia, the Experience of Discovery voyages offerimmersion in more than a dozen of the regions’ bestcourses, as well as onboard clinics, classes, and mingling toimprove one’s game.

The line’s 11-night cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona onApril 10 offers tips and tales from British golfer, TonyJacklin, who will be on board to share stories and play withguests at a selection of championship coursesin Cadiz,Lisbon, Valencia, Tenerife and Funchal.

The company’s vice president of international sales andmarketing Philip Ordever said: “We’re thrilled to offer ourdiscerning guests the opportunity to meet other golf fansand share such wonderful experiences with them. Whether

it’s a beginner gleaning tips from the onboard workshopswith our pros or a regular player with a low handicap, aCrystal golf itinerary is a dream holiday for anyoneinterested in this universally-loved game.”

The golf programme includes a VIP welcome reception;pre-/post-round refreshments in legendary clubhouses;welcome kits with course information and gifts; team-pairing; transport to/from courses; game carts or caddies(where available); 45-minute warm-ups; awards; andstorage and cleaning of clubs and shoes. Putting greens,driving ranges and golf pros (who offer private lessons orcomplimentary group coaching sessions) are also availableon board for extra practice.

All-inclusive fares for the cruise, which visits Madeira,Tenerife, Arrecife, Agadir, Casablanca, Cadiz and Valencia,before finishing in Barcelona, start from £2,956 per person.For details call 020-7399 7601 or visitwww.crystalcruises.co.uk

GOLFERS FROM Germany andScandinavia are the most likely to havetaken an international golf holiday inthe past 12 months, according to newresearch from the International GolfTravel Market (IGTM).

The survey revealed that more than85% of golfers in Scandinavia andGermany had taken a ‘non-domestic’golf break over the past year,

compared to 79% of golfers in UK andIreland, and 70% in France.

IGTM exhibition manager, PeterGrimster, said: “While it is well knownthat the UK and Ireland has thelargest number of golfers in Europe,the propensity for German golfers totake international golf breaks, andtheir tendency to stay for more than aweek, makes Germany an important

target market for golf traveldestinations.”

The survey also found that golferstend to travel in groups and that themost popular golf travel destinationfor European golfers is Spain, withPortugal in second place for UK andIrish golfers. For more information visitwww.igtm.co.uk

International Golf Travel Market survey reveals trends in European golf tourism

VISIONS OF Africa has launched a new Website which features golf holidays to South Africa, in combination with safaris, sightseeingand food and wine tasting. An eight-night golf break staying at four-star hotels in Cape Town and the Winelands with four rounds ofgolf leads in at £1,755 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes Economy Class flights from Heathrow and car hire. For details call 01444-225640.

Crystal expands luxury golf opportunities


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Donnafugata becomes first Italian member of IMG PrestigeDONNAFUGATA GOLF Resort & Spa has been recognised after becoming the first Italian courseto be invited to join IMG Prestige, an exclusive collection of some of the world’s most celebratedgolfing venues.

The 36-hole course hosted the 2011 Sicilian Open and now joins a portfolio of coursesincluding Kingsbarns, Scotland; Carton House, Ireland; Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand; LegendGolf & Safari Resort, South Africa; Spain’s La Manga Club and Yas Links in Abu Dhabi.

The five-star resort offers 202 guestrooms, a spa and wellness centre, swimming pools andthree restaurants. For more information visit www.donnafugatagolfresort.com

New golf deal fromMallorca's Protur

Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa

THE FIVE-STAR ProturBiomar Gran Hotel & Spa inMallorca is offering sevennights' half-board staybetween February 11 andMarch 31, 2013 for €975 perperson.

The offer includes fivegreen fees: one each atCapdepera Golf, Pula Golf,Golf Park Puntiró, Vall d’OrGolf and Alcanada Golf andthe price is based on twosharing a double room.

Also included is abreakfast, one dinner perperson, a health and beautytreatment, access to ahydrothermal circuit at thespa; free access and tokensfor the hotel’s driving range;early check-in and latecheck-out; and wirelessinternet access. For more information seewww.proturhotels.com

GOLF FANS with an interest in darts are being offered thechance to meet some of the game’s stars and take part inthe first annual Golf and Darts Classic at Spain’s LaManga Club Resort.

Top players including Terry Jenkins, Steve Beaton,Wayne Mardle and Peter Manley will all be appearing inthe four-day event, taking place from February 5-8 nextyear. A team of four people costs 2,352 (approximately£1,960 or £490 per person) and the event gives golfersthe opportunity to compete against their heroes in a 36-hole Stableford competition on the resort's north andsouth courses and see the stars in action in a dartsexhibition evening.

Included in the cost is three nights’ breakfastaccommodation, a welcome drinks reception,entertainment and food on the exhibition night and final

evening presentation dinner with drinks. Packages arebased on two sharing a room and include tax.

Also on offer this winter is a four-night stay includingthree rounds of golf from €411 per person.Available fromnow until the end of January (including Christmas andNew Year), the discount break includes breakfastaccommodation at the resort's four-star Las LomasVillage apartments, while a similar length stay at theresort's five-star hotel costs €507 per person.

The package also includes half-price golf buggy hire, atwo-course dinner each night at any of the resort'srestaurants, unlimited drinks in the evening andcomplimentary use of the spa, fitness centre, indoor pool,saunas and steam rooms.For more information or to book [email protected] or visit www.lamangaclub.com

Spain’s La Manga Club announces first annual Golf and Darts Classic

golfholidaysLONGWOOD HOLIDAYS is currently offering Red Sea golf holidays in the resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and TabaHeights on the Sinai peninsula and Ain Sokhna, El Gouna, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay on Egypt's mainland Red Seacoast. Prices for a three x18-hole package in El Gouna with seven nights’ breakfast stay at the five-starSteigenberger Golf Resort, departing on December 7, lead in at £645 per person. For details see www.longwoodholidays.co.uk or call 0844-770 0450.

Tunisia hotels offer deals to compliment golf breaksTHE TUNISIA National Tourist Office (TNTO) is highlighting the availability of golf holidayson its coastline, with nearby hotels offering a selection of deals for the ninechampionship courses.

As examples, the Riu Palace Hammamet Marhaba offers four nights' all-inclusiveaccommodation and three rounds of golf at the Yasmine, Foret or Oliviers golf courses.Prices lead in at £285 per person and the offer is valid until December 22 and betweenJanuary 5 and February 16, 2013.

The Sinbad Hotel on the outskirts of Hammamet is offering three nights' breakfastaccommodation and two rounds of golf at the 45-hole Golf Citrus Complex, which offers two18-hole courses and a nine–hole executive course, with prices leading in at £165 per person.The offer is available for bookings made by March 31, 2013.

The Residence Hotel is also offering a new package which includes three nights’ breakfaststay and three rounds of golf at The Residence Tunis Golf Course, with prices from £335 perperson, valid for bookings between January 6 – March 25, 2013. Meanwhile, ClubHotel RiuBellevue Park offers four nights’ all-inclusive accommodation and three rounds of golf (one onthe Golf Palm Links course and two at El Kantaoui Golf Course) from £249 per person. Theoffer is available for bookings until December 22 and between January 5 – February 16, 2013. To book call 0800-279 7988 or visit www.golfbreaks.com For information on Tunisia's golf offerings see www.cometotunisia.co.uk


Group discount offer from Conrad Algarve THE RECENTLY opened Conrad Algarve, which features its own golfconcierge service, is offering an exclusive offer for golf pros when theymake a group booking for a minimum party of six.

The package for the pro making the booking includes complimentaryaccommodation including breakfast, no green fees when playing with aminimum of three paying guests, a room upgrade (subject toavailability), 10% discount in the Golf Pro shop and a welcome reception.

Prices for the rest of the group lead in at €164 per room per nightincluding breakfast.

All-inclusive deal from Morocco's Mazagan Beach Resort

MAZAGAN BEACH & Golf Resort in Morocco is offering a five-night all-inclusive unlimited golf package, which leads in at £989 per person,based on two sharing.

It includes flights from Gatwick with taxes and golf carriage, all-inclusive accommodation, unlimited golf at the Mazagan golf club links'course with free shared buggy, free driving range access, a round of golfat the Royal Golf El Jadida including transfers, 50% off spa treatments,transfers and free access to the casino, nightclub and leisure andwellness activities.For more information visit www.menaratravel.co.uk andwww.morocco4golf.com

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:If you could win a year’s

supply of somethingwhat would you choose?

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Crossword:Across: 1. COSTA, 3. TAHOE, 5. ADELAIDE, 8. WENDY WU, 10. ADL, 11. LEG, 13. TRENTON, 14. WATERLOO, 17. SHANE, 18. SALEM. Down: 1. CORNWALL, 2. SAA, 3. TEA, 4. HYDRA, 6. EGYPT, 7. BLENHEIM, 9. UTELL, 12. GHANA, 15. EYE, 16. OSL.

Highlighted Word: CRETE

Travagrams: (top) Thomson (bottom) Sunshine

Where Am I?: Bangladesh

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JA RESORTS & Hotels has announced the re-opening of the five-star property Palm TreeCourt, one of two luxury hotels based at Jebel Ali Golf Resort in Dubai. Existing leisure and dining facilities have been improved and enhanced and an additional74 suites and junior suites have been added. The hotel features four swimming pools, anew beachfront pool and a range of leisure activities and dining options. Four new villashave been added; including a luxury villa, The Residence, located on the Arabian Gulfshore where facilities include a private butler service, complimentary welcome amenitiesand in-room relaxation experiences. For details see www.jaresortshotels.com

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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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Documents

Travel Bulletin 2 December 2012